There are those people in your life who are the cornerstone of your existence, who help teach, mold and guide you. One of those people, Betty Ann (nee George) Kretzer, took her last breath June 11, 2016, after 82 years of love and laughter.

The beloved wife of the late Col. (R.) Alonzo S. Kretzer, Betty was born and raised in St. Louis. She married the love of her life and traveled the world by his side until his passing in 1992.

Betty is remembered for her big laugh and the twinkle in her eye that lit up her face when she smiled. A fiercely loyal and loving woman, she undoubtedly takes with her many private confidences. Betty adored her family and loved people wherever they were in life. She was also a supportive military wife and known to "command" hundreds of other Army wives.

A passionate woman of conviction, Betty played fiercely competitive bingo and bridge and volunteered with several organizations close to her heart.

She and her granddaughter were known to race her walker too fast through the halls of her retirement home, laughing raucously. Betty's love and laughter will be greatly missed, but will live on with those who were blessed by her presence.

Betty is survived by those who loved her most, including her three children, Karen (James) Torrey, LTC (R.) Alonzo (Sandra) Kretzer Jr. and Christina (Robert) Fogle; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; and many friends.

Betty is preceded in death by her mother, Mary; her father, Clyde; and her sister, Mary.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at John L. Ziegenhein and Sons Funeral Homes -- South County, 4830 Lemay Ferry Road in St. Louis.

A procession will leave the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. Friday. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Catholic Church.

Burial will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.