BETTY LORENTZSEN
1920 – 2015
Betty (Houck) (Rackham) Lorentzsen, age 94, passed away peacefully August 22, 2015 in her home. She was born in the Pennsylvania Bourg of Berwick, September 27, 1920, to John and Mary Houck. Betty graduated from Berwick High School during which time she won the State Fencing Championship. She went on to the Geisinger Hospital Nurses Training School. She entered the Army Nurse Corps in May of 1942, trained at Lake Charles, LA and in March of 1944 was deployed and stationed overseas to serve during WWII as Lieutenant Betty Houck. Betty married pilot Major Ray Smart in July of 1944. The wedding announcement in those days conformed to the saying, “Loose lips sink ships,” and simply said, “Somewhere in England.” Major Smart was shot down and died over Germany. Before her discharge in March of 1946 Lt. Betty was awarded The American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. Betty married Army Officer Ralph R. Rackham in 1946.
Most of Betty’s life was lived in La Porte where she was the nurse at La Porte High School for 20 years, 1970 – 1990. Betty enjoyed playing tennis and especially was an avid golfer and Bridge player in Bridgearama. She was a member of Tri Kappa, Questers and Bethany Lutheran Church. On August 24, 1991 Betty married Arthur Lorentzsen.
Betty was predeceased by her parents, her sister, Martha Houck, Ralph Rackham and Arthur Lorentzsen. Betty is survived by her daughter, Michele (Rackham) Keith, of Cody, Wyoming, and Michele’s two children, Laura (Keith) Bredesen of Independence, Minnesota and Robert Keith of Bozeman, Montana, and four great grandchildren, Benjamin and Calvin Bredesen and Audrey and Rowan Keith. Betty is also survived by her foster son, V. Michael Drayton, of La Porte and two foster grandchildren, Christopher Drayton of London, England, and Dr. Phillip Drayton of Boston, Massachusetts.
At Betty’s request there will be no service. The family suggests that memorials be given at the donor’s choice.