Bettie Jane Fritz of Copperas Cove, passed away Tuesday, July 24, 2018. Private graveside services will be held July 26, 2018, at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery. Born May 2, 1934, in Marshall, MO to the late James Randall (JR) and Jessie Mildred (Hillebrand) Dickson, Jane graduated from New Franklin High School (New Franklin, MO).
She attended Central Methodist University in Fayette, MO, majoring in voice. On February 12, 1953, she married her one love, George William (Billy) Fritz. For the next 65 years, they were partners in all areas of life; truly caring for each other with love and respect.
Together, they raised three daughters, with Jane carrying the responsibility during George’s service deployments. Jane was a talented woman of many interests. An accomplished seamstress, she produced everything from doll clothes to school outfits and formal gowns for officer club functions.
She had a wide variety of hobbies, including refinishing furniture, making hats, and wood carving. Owning several looms allowed her to develop her art of hand-weaving colorful rugs, but she was always happiest “playing in the dirt,” whether in the yard, her greenhouse or at the nursery. Following Army retirement, the couple owned and operated multiple rental properties and several Cove businesses, the last being Northside Enterprises, which included a repair shop, hardware store and, fulfilling her dream, a plant shop and nursery.
A passionate lover of all plants and flowers, Jane had the ultimate “green thumb”. In the mid-1990’s, she established and maintained flower gardens in downtown Copperas Cove. The couple dedicated years to this effort, simply because she wanted the downtown area to be attractive.
In 1995 she was recognized with a plaque of appreciation from the City for this service. Throughout her life, Jane was an example of what could be accomplished through hard work, patience, grace, and perseverance. Quiet and reserved, pretty but unassuming, she was a strong and resilient woman who had no desire to call attention to herself.
Happy with her life, she considered their family fortunate for their many blessings. Above all, she was a loving and devoted wife and mother. Left to cherish her memory is her beloved husband, LTC George W. Fritz Retired, along with daughters; Christine (Thompson) Henry and husband, Dennis, Elizabeth Ann Alvear and husband, John, and Nancy Mullins and husband, Teddy.
She is survived by grandchildren, Elizabeth Ann (Alvear) Kirkman and husband Michael, Jonathan Alvear, Marsha Michelle (Mullins) Updyke and husband Bear, and Lauren Ashleigh (Mullins) Williams and husband, Jeremy, along with great-grandchildren, Reagan Kirkman and Taytom, Madyson,and Briley Updyke; and one sister, Patricia (Dickson) Gruntorad and husband, Dennis, of Grass Valley, CA. She was awaiting the arrival of a fifth great-granddaughter, Emma Grace Williams, due in August. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart of Texas Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association would be appreciated.
Or plant a tree, shrub or flower, and make the world a prettier place. That would make her smile.
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