Smith, Betty Jane Lenaburg Obituary

Smith, Betty Jane Lenaburg attended Horace Mann High School in Gary, IN. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Smith, Betty Jane Lenaburg.

Graduation Year	Class of 1943
Date of Passing	Jan 12, 2020
About	Betty Jane Smith Lenaburg, age 94, of Portage, passed away peacefully Sunday, January 12, 2020. Betty is survived by her daughter, Beverly Sheets (Jim) Lakomek of Portage, daughter Patricia Hagen of Clearwater, Florida, Sons Dennis Lenaburg of Portage and Ronald (Bette) Lenaburg of Portland, Tennessee, 11 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Herb Lenaburg, her sister Maxine Mehok, her brother Lance Smith, and her grandson Thomas Carl Hagen. She was born November 13, 1925 in Gary, Indiana to Lance and Erna (Gabriel) Smith. She graduated from Horace Mann High School in Gary in 1943 and in 1944 traveled to California and became a war bride to her high school sweetheart. Throughout her life Betty used her gifts and talents through a variety of careers and social opportunities which included bank teller, hair dresser and beauty shop owner, co-owner with her husband of 3 locations of Domino’s Pizza before the franchise, 2 located in Portage, and 1 in the Pines. Betty’s love of singing and performing expanded as a member of the U.S. Steel Chorus and Vochestra in Gary and then later through various theater and musical productions when for a period of time the couple lived in a Florida condominium association. After Herb’s passing, she courageously took herself to the Bonner Senior Center in Portage where she served as a volunteer on all their committees. Her love of singing followed her there as well where she joined the Center’s Choraleers, performing solos and duets, only later to pour her heart into being the group’s Director for ten years. She proved herself also as an artist and created a variety of oil paintings, which she graciously gave to her family. She was gracious and generous and loved children and family and cooking and gathering them. She was a long-time loyal friend to many women who predeceased her. Her presence here made a difference to those who knew her. She was loved and will be missed. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, January 26, 2020, at 2:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave. Portage, IN 46368. Visitation with family 1:00-2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bonner Senior Center, Ways and Means Committee, 5800 Lexington Ave. Portage, IN 46368.