Betty B. Lutts passed peacefully in her sleep on January 21, 2024, at Ledgewood Nursing Home. She is now dancing in heaven with her husband of 75 years, Dick, and playing cards with her granddaughter, Heather.

Betty Marie Brewer was born in Geneva, New York, on December 6, 1925, to Lulla D. (Shephard) (Brewer) Rector and Elisha "Pete" S. Brewer. Betty was a natural beauty with a gorgeous complexion and bright, shining eyes. She was a kind and empathic soul whose calling, and passion was to help those in need. She felt the call during WWII and trained as a nurse.

While at Highland Hospital Nursing School, Betty met the love of her life Richard W. Lutts, a Navy man stationed near the St. Lawrence River. A romance blossomed and Betty soon left Geneva for Dick's hometown, Salem, MA in 1944. They were married on Thanksgiving Day in 1947 at Tabernacle Church in Salem and from then on they were referred to lovingly as "Betty and Dick" or "The Dick & Betty Show."

Betty and Dick were longtime members of Tabernacle Church where they forged life-long friendships. There were annual steak cookouts at the Ives', ski trips to Mt. Pero, and a lake visit at the Parthum's NH summer camp, sometimes with kids or grandkids in tow. One of their joys was meeting monthly with these friends through the church groups, Couples Club & The Friday Nighters. Betty & Dick also loved Big Band and Square dancing together.

Betty never forgot a birthday or special occasion for any of her relatives or friends. She always had a card or a note to send that would brighten your day upon receipt. And if you were lucky, she would enclose a pair of holiday-themed socks! She was a frequent volunteer and a staunch advocate for children and youth. Her home was always open to the many friends she made easily.  She was famous for her "mystery rides" with grandchildren and elders, taking them to local dining and ice cream spots. Ice cream was her favorite, especially Carvel Ice Cream and a Black Cow from The Junction in Hamilton.

While raising her children, Betty had a variety of jobs including "Welcome Wagon Hostess" for Salem; and treasurer for Historic Salem Inc. helping to raise funds through garden tours. After her children were grown, she became the bookkeeper for Varian Credit Union. When the grandchildren came, she looked for something that would allow her freedom to play with her grandchildren. This was when she started a successful home business with Dick selling Shaklee Nutritional supplement products. For their efforts, they were rewarded with cars and trips including a trip to San Francisco and an Alaskan Cruise.

Betty & Dick's home-based business is still active after many years. Betty was still in there swinging. Later, Betty joined Woman's Friend Society, enjoyed the camaraderie of the people there.

Betty was the happiest when spending time with family and friends. She loved to make others smile and enjoyed a cheeky joke with her family more than anyone will ever truly know. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Betty is survived by her 4 children and their spouses: Peter (Susan Weiler), Richard (Louise Mears), Betsey (Edward Bennett), and Christine (Richard Girard), and two sisters-in-law Nancy Burnham Lutts and Faustine Brewer White. She also leaves behind her grandchildren Corinne, Rebecca, Grace, Katie, Emily and her great-grandchildren Amy, Evelyn, and Wyatt as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Betty was predeceased by her parents, her loving husband Dick, her sisters and their spouses Phyllis (Nick Coblio) and Dorothy (John Prettyman), her brother Stuart, her sister-in-law Phoebe Burnham and brothers-in-law, Carlton "Brud" Lutts, Jr. and Francis Burnham, her granddaughter Heather Bennett, her best friend Barbara Bowman as well as many lifelong friends, too numerous to list.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024. 11 AM service at Tabernacle Church, 50 Washington St. Salem with a collation to follow in the Bigelow Room. No flowers please. Donations may be made in her name to Tabernacle Church Memorial Fund, 50 Washington St., Salem or Woman's Friend Society, 12 Hawthorne Blvd., Salem.