Betty Jo Getz

After a hard-fought battle against cancer, Betty Jo Getz passed away peacefully on Monday afternoon, August 18, 2008 at Mesilla Valley Hospice, La Posada. She was born in Las Cruces on November 22, 1951 to Charles E. and Bess E. Warren. She graduated from Mayfield High School in 1969 and remained a lifelong resident of Las Cruces. BJ's three sons were her pride and joy, and she treasured the time she spent staying home with them when they were young. She was blessed later in life with the reunion with her daughter, Raquel. She returned to school and graduated in 1991 with a degree in Nursing. Her calling to this field and her intuitive ability to care and comfort those in need was a gift that she embraced with all her heart. BJ enjoyed young people, and took the time to play with and nurture them, whether her own grandkids, nieces and nephews; their friends; and her friends' children. On her days off, she could be found with them at home or at the movies, or taking them to her favorite cove at Elephant Butte. She traveled regularly to stay in touch with family and friends, and cherished special trips to Africa, Australia and Hawaii. She fondly remembered several visits to the St. Lawrence Seaway, to be with her Aunt Carroll West and her dad's side of the family. Her zeal for life and love for nature showed as she water-skied, snow-skied and most of all, jet-skied. She was passionate and particular about cooking, and watched the Food Network like some folks read the newspaper. It was truly an adventure for her to cook lasagna for the entire family, which she did every chance she got. In the past few years, she furiously knitted dozens of brilliant scarves, her new-found hobby. Recipients of her knitted gifts of love are invited to wear or display the scarf or other item when attending the funeral service this Friday morning at ten o'clock at the Getz Funeral Home. She is survived by three sons, Steven Getz and Marissa Ostos, Bryan Getz and wife Riki, Chad Getz and fianc Christi Fields, all of Las Cruces; daughter Raquel Frazier and husband Jason; two brothers Jimmy Warren, Danny Warren and wife Lisa; sister Carroll Curtis; and mother Bess Warren. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Tristyn, Tanner, Rylei, and Garrett Getz; Addison, Jake and Will Frazier. Surviving nieces and nephews include Miles Houser; Amanda, Phillip, and Bridgette Warren; Chase and Caitlyn Curtis. BJ wished to acknowledge and thank special family and friends, including Carl and Mardine Cooper, the West family, Kathey Breaux, Susan Sullivan and the many others who helped her in her greatest time of need. A visitation will be Thursday August 21, 2008 from 5-7 pm at Getz Funeral Home. A funeral service officiated by Fr. Ray Flores will be held at 10 AM Friday August 22, 2008 at the Getz Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to UNM Cancer Center South. 2530 South Telshor Suite 201, Las Cruces, NM 88001 in BJ's name.