Betty Mae Luster, 95

Betty Mae Luster died in her sleep on March 30, 2020, due to complications related to old age. She was born Mary Elizabeth Keegan, in East Chicago, Ind., on May 8, 1924, to John Keegan and Helen Rosenbaum. She grew up in Crown Point, Ind., during the Great Depression. As a young girl she remembers the excitement when the infamous John Dillinger escaped from the local Lake County Jail in 1934.

After high school, Betty moved to Chicago and worked briefly as a clerk-typist with aspirations to become an airline stewardess. Being too young to qualify, her mother pulled some strings and managed to somehow secure a birth certificate indicating her birth year as 1923. She never pursued the airline career, but for the rest of her life, Betty had various official forms of identification indicating the two different birth dates.

In 1944 Betty enlisted in the Army and served as a WAC until her discharge in 1948, attaining the rank of Sergeant. During World War II, Betty was assigned to the European Theater of Operations, earning a World War II victory medal and Good Conduct Ribbon (apparently the Army was unaware of her birth certificate forgery). After the war, she remained in Germany as part of the occupational forces. While stationed in Oberstdorf, she met her future husband, Army Lieutenant Earl Luster. They married on April 26, 1948, and remained married until Earl’s passing 64 years later.

After Betty was discharged from the Army, she became a military wife tasked with the responsibility of raising their four children (all boys). She followed Earl’s career as an Army officer, later transferring to the newly created Air Force, to their various duty assignments that included Florida, Kentucky, Virginia, Northern California, Southern California, the Philippine Islands and back to Germany.

When her youngest was old enough to fend for himself, Betty pursued employment outside the home. Initially she went to work for the San Bernardino School District. Ultimately, she found her calling in selling real estate. She obtained her broker’s license in 1967 and enjoyed several successful years in the industry. Betty did volunteer hospital work at Saint Bernadine’s for a number of years and was a lifelong member of the Republican Party.

Upon retiring Betty and Earl enjoyed their opportunity to travel about as much as possible. Their trips included places like Egypt, Israel, Russia, China, the Mediterranean, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Alaska and, of course, back to Germany.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Earl; her oldest son, Steve; her brother, Jimmy and her aunt, Lauretta. She is survived by her sons John (Maidy) of Coeur d’Alene, Paul Kim (Sharon) of Wickenburg, Ariz. and Kevin (Gail) of Sierra Vista, Ariz.; stepson, Bill (Linda) of Louisville, Ky., and by grandchildren Megan, Marleigh, Joseph and Sarah, as well as her six great-grandchildren.

Betty was intelligent and determined and had a kind heart and a keen sense of humor that helped her survive the difficult times and enjoy the many blessings of her life. She will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her.

Betty was buried April 2, 2020, at the Washington State Veteran’s Cemetery, in Medical Lake in a very private ceremony (a couple of gravediggers were in attendance), due to the coronavirus quarantine. A formal military service will be conducted at a future date.

The family is grateful to North Star Retirement Home for the care and compassion extended to Betty during her final years.

In lieu of flowers, please send an appropriate donation to the Democratic National Committee in her name.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the final arrangements. Please visit Betty’s online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.