Betty Lorraine (Lutz) Nelson, 90, of Elkhart, passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at her home. She was born on May 30, 1933, in Elkhart, to the late Ramon and Polly (Kline) Lutz. On April 17, 1955, she married her best friend, Harold E. Nelson, in Elkhart. He passed away on April 29, 1997, after 43 years of marriage.

Betty was preceded in death by her loving husband; sons, James at birth and Robert in 2007; grandson, Joshua; and brothers, Tom in 2012 and Gary in 2013.

Surviving Betty are her children, Sherri (Gene) Chandler, Jon (Dee) Nelson, and David (Sherri) Nelson, all of Elkhart; grandchildren, Rachel (Jason) Campbell, and Zachery (Bree), Thelah (Alan), Daniel, and Jonathon (Krista) Nelson, all of Elkhart; great grandchildren, Christian, Bryce, and Drew Campbell, Lincoln, Zane, Liam, and Avaya Nelson, all of Elkhart; brothers, George (Mary) Lutz of Fort Wayne, Harold (Phyllis) Lutz of Warrenton, VA, and Dan (Sue) Lutz of Rio Rancho, NM; and a loving host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Betty worked at CTS for several years and then retired from Concord Community Schools after 38 years as a secretary, 7 years as a secretary to the principal at Ox Bow Elementary and 31 years as a student services secretary at Concord Junior High School respectively. She smiled everyday as she went to school to work.

Betty graduated from Elkhart High School as part of the Class of 1951 and was a lifelong member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Elkhart where she was active on several committees over the years.  She was a member of the Eta Chapter in the Delta Theta Chi Sorority for 50 years, holding many offices in the organization. Betty did her "Walk to Emmaus" in 1995 and helped on several more walks throughout the years. Overall, she was a faithful and devout Christian.

Betty and Harold were also very active at Elks Lodge #425. They travelled for several years to go to state contests while Harold was an officer of the Lodge, taking the boys, Jon and David, along with them. Betty helped plan parties, sold tickets, bussed tables, and more, having fun doing them all.

Betty was notably proud of finishing her "bucket list" with her trip to Israel in June of 2006.

In accordance with Betty's wishes, cremation has been chosen. Services for Betty will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church with a celebration of life service at 6 PM. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 4 PM. Pastor Tom DeFries will be officiating. At a later time, Betty will be laid to rest at Rice Cemetery to be reunited with her husband, Harold. Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart has been assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St. Paul's My Preschool, Saving Grace Ministry, SPA Ministries or simply pay it forward to someone in need on behalf of Betty.

St. Paul's Preschool
405 W. Beardsley Ave., Elkhart IN 46514
Tel: 1-574-293-0482
Web: https://www.spumcelkhart.com/preschool

Saving Grace Advocacy
405 West Beardsley Avenue, Elkhart IN 46514
Tel: 1-574-293-0482
Web: https://www.spumcelkhart.com/savinggraceadvocacy

SPA Ministries
3404 Toledo Rd., Elkhart IN 46516
Tel: 1-574-522-8338
Web: https://spaministryhomes.org/

Help Others in Need