Betty was a 1952 graduate of Littlestown High School and took courses at Harrisburg Community College. Her first job was with United Telephone Co., where her husband worked until his death. Later she worked at Dauphin Bank. She finished her working career at the Medical Clinic and the Resource Management Department of Carlisle Barracks. She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Carlisle, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister. She was a member of St. Patrick Council of Catholic Women and served on the Local, District, Diocesan and National Boards. Betty was a member of the Diocesan Serra Club. She was a Member and former President of the Carlisle Civic Club. Betty enjoyed her family, her house and garden. She loved sewing, crocheting and reading. For many years she took care of her aunt, Dorothy Leister of Shippensburg.

She is survived by three sons; Edward Kress, Jr. and his wife, Barbara of North Canton, Ohio, Anthony Kress and his wife, Kathy of Clarksburg MD, and Thomas Kress and his wife, Michelle of Gurley, AL, two daughters; Peggy Baker and her husband, Rick of Gettysburg, PA and Beverly Collett and her husband, Ron of Millersville, MD, one brother, Charles Petry of Conway, SC and one sister, Mary Nunemaker of Fayetteville, 14 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Betty was preceded in death by one son, Michael J. Kress and one sister, Doris M. Sherman.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 14, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 85 Marsh Dr., Carlisle, with the Very Reverend William C. Forrey officiating. Burial will be private in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Gettysburg, where her husband and son are buried. A viewing will be held Thursday from 6 - 7:30 p.m. in the Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, 630 S. Hanover St., Carlisle with a Prayer service beginning at 7:30 p.m. Immediately following the service on Friday, the family invites all for a time of fellowship in the church social hall. In following Betty's wishes, the family kindly requests no flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church Building Fund, 152 E. Pomfret St., Carlisle, PA 17013.