Betty J. Wirtz

   Betty Jane Wirtz, 100, passed away surrounded by her family on Saturday, February 28.

   Betty was born on June 5, 1925, in Mishawaka to the late Loren and Edith (Hornung) Auble. Betty had a younger brother, Richard, who died in 1953.

   Betty was a lifelong resident of Mishawaka. She graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1943 and also from the South Bend College of Commerce. Early in life, she worked as a secretary to management at Studebaker Corporation and later as a para-professional at LaSalle School in Mishawaka.

   On August 14, 1948, at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame, she married Edgar Wirtz. They were married for 57 years until his passing in 2005.

   Betty’s family was at the center of her life. She will be remembered by her unwavering dedication to caring for them. Betty was a caretaker to both of her parents, her aunts & uncles, and her husband Edgar, who battled Alzheimer’s disease for more than 12 years.

   Betty was a fiercely devoted mother to her two sons, Donald & Tom (Kathy) Wirtz. She was especially proud to welcome her granddaughters, Amber (James) Hamilton and Jillian Wirtz, into the family. She cared for both of them deeply, often bringing them into her bridge clubs, taking them to swimming lessons, and to the library. Betty was also a great-grandmother to Jack Buckner, Joey Buckner, Aiden Buckner, and Stella Houser, whom she deeply cared for. Her tenacious, loyal care for her family has been instilled in each of them and will be greatly missed.  Betty also had a special bond with several of her caretakers at Southfield Village, especially Taylor, Izzy, Zoey, Debbi, Marci, Michelle, Teresa, Pam, Amy, and Michael at Southern Care Hospice.

   Betty was a devout member of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. She was an avid bridge player, participating in and hosting bridge clubs for more than 75 years. She looked forward to gathering with her friends each week to play cards and go out to lunch. She was a lifelong patron of West End Bakery and Sunny Italy Cafe.

   A mass will be held at 11:00 AM, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in St. Matthews Cathedral, 1701 Miami St, South Bend, with visitation one hour prior in the church.  A burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Mishawaka.

   To leave an online condolence or to share a memory, please visit www.hahnfuneralhomes.com

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