Vera Betts

Vera (Elvira) M. Betts, age 102, died peacefully at St. Mary’s Asbury Ridge on Saturday, March 8, 2014.

A lifelong resident of Erie, she was the daughter of the late George and Barbara Kirsch Lohse.

She attended St. John’s Elementary School and graduated magna cum laude from Academy High School in 1929.

She worked for many years as an executive secretary. She also enjoyed singing, and sang in concerts throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York. In addition, she sang in church choirs and participated in two operas.

She was an active member of St. Andrew Parish, and was an ardent supporter of Gannon University. She enjoyed reading, crocheting and embroidery, and sports.

She was a member of local and national archery clubs, winning numerous trophies, including “Champion of the Atlantic States” in 1973. She travelled throughout the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe. Following her retirement, she did volunteer work at the Salvation Army for 22 years.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters Rita Kast and Ida Bowed, and her brothers Robert Lohse, The Reverend Walter Lohse, Edward Lohse, and Wilfrid Lohse.

She is survived by her brother George Lohse and his wife Bernadette of Seattle, WA, by sisters-in-law Ida (Bettie) Lohse of McKean and Eleanor (Nornie) Lohse of Line-Lexington, PA and by numerous nephews and nieces, great nephews and great nieces in Erie and elsewhere.

Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3801 W. 26th Street Erie on Thursday, March 13 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Rev. Edward M. Lohse, nephew, will celebrate the funeral Mass on Friday, March 14 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Andrew Church 1116 W. 7th Street Erie. Burial will be held private.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s at Asbury Ridge 4855 W. Ridge Road, Erie, PA 16506.

Send condolences at www.Burtonfuneralhome.com <http://www.Burtonfuneralhome.com>