ABC-7 Viewer encourages public to attend service for WWII vet

Col. Catherine “Kitty” T. Betz, who faithfully and patriotically served her country in the Army Nurse Corps, and later went on to be head nurse at William Beaumont Army Medical Center, died earlier this week.

“It is my belief that Catherine Betz is Jefferson School of Nursing’s most distinguished alumna or alumnus – EVER,” says Florence Mitchell, who was two years behind her at Collingswood High School and the Jefferson Nursing School.

Betz rose in the Army Nurse Corps to full colonel, one of only four in the country. She set up MASH units in Korea and Vietnam and finally she was in charge of Army hospitals in the United States.

Her final assignment was chief nurse at William Beaumont Army Medical Center at Fort Bliss Texas. She was awarded with the Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster.

Upon retirement in El Paso, Kitty became very active in Our Lady of Assumption Roman Catholic Church where she served as a lector and a resource manager.

As she dedicated her life to her career, the only remaining family Betz has are two sisters, both in their 90s as well.

An ABC-7 viewer is asking the public to not let a vet die alone. She is asking the public to attend the funeral of Betz.

Visitation will be held Thursday from 9-11:30 a.m. at Martin Funeral Home Central. Rosary will be held at noon Thursday 12:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, with a funeral mass to follow.

“Do not let a veteran go home alone. As she honored us with her service, let us now honor her.”

Editor’s note: Col. Beth did not serve during WWII as initially reported. She served in the Korean and Vietnam wars.