TRAVERSE CITY — Elizabeth "Betty" Jane Kurtz, 90, of Traverse City, passed away on Jan. 26, 2011, at Munson Medical Center. Born to Harry D. and Martha Baluss, of Ann Arbor, in 1920, she married Kenneth E. Kurtz in 1941 and moved to Traverse City in 1966.Betty was a member of the American Guild of Organists, Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Morning Club and many other area civic and community organizations, as well as a member of the First Congregational Church.She taught piano and organ for over 40 years to countless students in the Grand Traverse Area. Betty provided the music for the Scenic Trails Boy Scout Council annual meeting for over 30 years. She was a tireless, enthusiastic proponent of the arts and supported many area musical and arts organizations throughout Northern Michigan.Beyond her commitment to our community, Betty enjoyed serving as a celebrated and generous cook and hostess to her friends and family. She will be greatly missed and remembered by her daughter, Janie (Dan) Wiest, of Columbus, Ohio; sons, Bill (Louise) Kurtz, of Acme, and Tom Kurtz, of Chicago, Ill.; sister, Nancy Morman, of Plymouth; seven grandchildren, including Katrina (Sam) Walter and Jensen (Tracy) Kurtz, of Traverse City, Michael Kurtz, of San Diego, Calif., Drake and John Kurtz, of Chicago, Ill., Andy (Katherine) Wiest and Paul (Jennifer) Wiest, of Columbus, Ohio; seven great-grandchildren; and two beloved dogs, Eby and Sammy. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, Feb. 5, at 2 p.m., at the First Congregational Church, Center Road, Traverse City.In lieu of flowers, donations or memorials may be given to Traverse City Symphony Orchestra, The Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra of Petoskey, First Congregational Church or the Grand Traverse Humane Society.Please visit Betty's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories. The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.