Betty Lou Courtney Murtha

Betty Lou was an Austin native, born on November 18, 1926. She died peacefully on October 15, 2015. She was born and raised at 1010 W. 23rd Street, along with her brother and sister. Betty Lou always referred to her childhood as a "simpler time." She was proud that her family made the most of what they had and found a way to share it with others who were less fortunate.

She went by a multitude of names. Some of her nieces and nephews knew her as "Eddie Blue." Others knew her as "Aunt Betty." Her son-in-law, Jamie, knew her as "The FBI," especially when he and Mickey were dating. Those who worked with her in the State Legislature called her "Pete." Those who knew her in high school and college called her "Courtney." Those who knew her from Water Exercise class called her "Splash" because she would dive in, oblivious to the water splashed on all her classmates.

Betty Lou was married to John Murtha for over 50 years. From the beginning, he was captivated by her spark and spirit. Shortly after meeting her, he shook his finger in her face and said, "I'm going to marry you," whereupon she burst out laughing. On one of their first dates, they were sauntering down a sidewalk when he found himself 'alone.' Looking back, he saw her swinging on a tree branch. From then on, he called her "Sassy Woman."

Any who knew Betty Lou quickly called her friend. Her steady and constant availability to others invited them to sit with her and share their stories as she shared hers. More often than not, her stories involved being on the water casting her fishing line, or just being outdoors in the "wide open spaces." Her laughter was contagious and her wisdom was delivered without fanfare. Without a doubt, her favorite times involved being surrounded by those she loved, telling stories and sharing jokes and memories with laughter.

She was ever ready to "fix" anything, from a broken toilet or cranky washing machine to a friend's earring or a broken lamp. She could adapt almost any item to a useful purpose.

"Courtney" was a leader on the University of Texas campus and within Alpha Chi Omega sorority. At Austin High, she was President of Red Jackets. She was constantly surrounded by friends, and was often involved in light-hearted pranks.

"Boo," as she was known to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was always ready to spin tops, go fishing, shoot a bow and arrow, play ping pong, build a campfire, sing camp songs, go for a scooter ride, or make cocoa and toast.

In her later years, she could be found soaking up the sunshine while riding on her scooter, and supervising any construction projects that were underway.

She was known for her whistle, and could let out a piercing whistle that would bring kids and grandkids running from all directions. Many times, we could tell where she was by hearing her whistle before we even saw her.

She will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John Murtha, her brother, Glen Courtney, her sister in law Jackie Thurman and Jackie's late husband, Mace Thurman, sister in law Alice Fischer, and brother in law Frank Fischer.

Betty Lou is survived by daughter Courtney Josey and her husband Dennis McGovern, daughter Mickey Holtzman and her husband Jamie, grandsons Jad Josey and his wife Crystal, Matt Holtzman and his wife Brooke, Zach Holtzman and his wife Jenifer, sister Etta Mae Martin and her husband Preston, 7 great-grandsons, 2 great-granddaughters, and a multitude of nephews, nieces, and countless friends. Each had their own unique relationship with her.

Her family is so grateful to the caring staff at Westminster Manor and at Hospice Austin.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Cal Farley's Boys' and Girls' Ranch at P.O. Box 1890, Amarillo, TX 79174.

Her memorial service will be held on Friday, November 13, 2015, in the Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel at 1pm. Family graveside services will be at Austin Memorial Park at 10am.