Betty Orwig (nee Elizabeth Lee Budke), died peacefully July 2, 2011, at Des Peres Hospital with her two daughters by her side. Beloved wife of the late David Forbes Orwig, wonderful mother to Martha Lee Orwig and Sarah Forbes (James Clark Costen) Orwig.
Mrs. Orwig graduated from Webster Groves High School and attended Washington University (Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority) before taking a job with the Shell Oil Company in Saint Louis. She then worked as a church secretary for Kingshighway Presbyterian Church, where she met her future husband, David. They settled in Kirkwood after World War II. Mrs. Orwig became a founding officer of Spicecraft, Inc. (secretary) and later worked as a secretary, deacon and elder for the First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood.
When asked about her education, she always replied, "I majored in activities!" As a Saint Louis homemaker, she volunteered for organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and Meals on Wheels. She was a member of the Wednesday Club, the Pres Club, the Quarterly Dance Club, the Missouri Athletic Club, and PEO, among others.
Mrs. Orwig swam competitively in her youth. At age 40, she convinced David to take a winter trip to Sun Valley, Idaho, where they learned to ski. It was a tradition they continued with their family for decades to follow. She also played doubles tennis for most of her life, not quitting the game until she turned 80. She remained active with bridge foursomes and jazz festivals into her last year. In the final days of her life, she asked her daughters to carry this message from her: "Keep the faith, and have lots of fun!"
Memorial services were held Friday, July 8, 10:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood, 100 E. Adams Ave. Interment private.
