Betty Dreiss

Betty Marie Plank Dreiss left this world January 31, 2015, in Santa Fe, NM, surrounded by loved ones. The fifth of sixth children born to Laura and Ezra Edward Plank, May 1, 1924, in Booker, Texas, Betty grew up in Pampa; her West Texas roots always a part of her life. It was in Pampa, at her mother’s boarding house that Betty met Ed Dreiss, the handsome, young 2nd Lieutenant, newly graduated from Texas A & M. Theirs was a whirlwind courtship, and the couple married September 28, 1941, raising their six children in the military. After cross-country moves, Betty and Ed settled in Southern California, and later made a final move in 1973 to West Houston.

Betty and Ed soon became an integral part of Houston, especially in the recovery community. Both were instrumental in their respective recovery programs, and are credited with impacting the lives of many in Houston and throughout Texas. Betty led many women from a life of despair into a life of wholeness and spirituality through the Al-Anon 12 Steps program for over 50 years of her life. She was instrumental in establishing Houston’s Al-Anon Intergroup, and several of the state’s recovery conferences. Betty loved life; she loved learning, creativity, and being of service to others. At one time she had a thriving stained glass business. Her stained glass windows hang in area private homes and are some of the windows in the Tremont Hotel in Galveston, Texas. She saw life in positive terms, and always described herself as a pathological optimist. But above all, Betty loved her family and cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched, and were impacted by her example and commitment to spiritual growth. Her legacy will live on through others who will pass on what Betty modeled and taught them. It was shortly after Ed died in 2007, that Betty moved to Santa Fe, NM, to be closer to family. In Santa Fe she adjusted well and became part of its recovery community. Always a social and outgoing person, Betty was soon selected to be in charge of celebrating birthdays at her independent senior living community, El Castillo.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, four siblings, her husband Ed, and her son Robert (Bob). She is survived by her son Bill, and partner Elizabeth, daughters Margaret (Margie) McKinsey, Diana Newkirk and Mary Anne Stickler, and her son John and wife Mary Katherine. She is also survived by eight grandchildren – Adrienne Dreiss Ropp and husband Willson, Cory Sullivan, Todd Newkirk, Jessica Stickler, Alex Kensil, Matthew Dreiss and wife Margarite, Katherine Dreiss Carmical and husband Russ, and Robert Dreiss. Her great grandchildren are Jordan Dreiss-Ortiz, Jake and Bella Carmical, Lacey Dreiss and Lena Ropp. Also surviving her is her brother William Jay Plank of Hillsborough, CA; daughter-in-law Meredith Dreiss of Austin, TX; sisters-in-law Betty Plank of Austin, TX, Neoma Plank of Amarillo, TX, and Jackie Dreiss of Comfort, TX; and many nieces and nephews throughout Texas.

The family would like to thank her many caregivers who supported Betty at the end of her life. A special place in heaven is reserved for her daughter Diana, who lovingly looked after Betty, and dedicated the last several years to her mother’s care.

A memorial celebration of Betty’s life will take place Saturday, February 21, at 4 p.m., in the Chapel of Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, 77079. Telephone: 281-497-2210. A dinner reception will follow. Directions will be given at the memorial.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Al-Anon Intergroup Association, 9800 NW Freeway, Suite 201, Houston, 77092; to Presbyterian Medical Services (PMS) Hospice, 1400 Chama Ave., Santa Fe, NM, 87505; or to Carl Farley’s Boys Ranch and Girls Town, P.O. Box 1890, Amarillo, TX, 79174