Valetta Orth

Valetta Orth, age 85, passed away October 13, 2016 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Valetta was born at home in Breckenridge, TX on September 27, 1931 to Simeon Scott & Olive Amanda Spencer. She attended school in Breckenridge and graduated in 1950. Valetta was active in the Buckaroo Band playing the coronet and baritone and she passed along her love of music to her children. Her family were members of First Baptist Church and upon graduation, the Women's Auxiliary of the church awarded Valetta with a full scholarship to attend Hendrick Memorial Hospital's School of Nursing in Abilene. She was capped in 1951 and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1953. During her time in Abilene, she made many life-long friends and met her future husband James Henry Orth on a blind date. James was from New Braunfels, attending Hardin-Simmons University. They were married on June 30, 1956 and soon after traveled overseas to Alaska (before it be came our 49th state) where James was stationed with the US Army. In Alaska, Valetta worked as a RN in the Alaska Native Service Hospital. In 1958 the young couple moved back to Abilene and then to New Braunfels where they purchased James' uncle's farm in Guadalupe county. For 55 years, Valetta enjoyed the farm life, working along side her husband, but her main passion was nursing. She worked for New Braunfels Hospital, later renamed McKenna Memorial Hospital, for 32 years. She started in the Emergency Room and then found her niche in the Operating Room, where she held positions of Supervisor and Director of Nursing. Prior to her retirement from McKenna in 1989, she was Supervisor of Central Supplies. Valetta was well respected by her co-workers and was proud to be a mentor to many new graduate nurses at the hospital. She continued using her nursing skills by helping to take care of her husband's elderly parents and also began her journey in School Nursing by substituting with Marion ISD, Comal ISD and New Braunfels ISD. Valetta worked for NBISD for 11 years in part-time and full-time capacities, retiring in 2003. She adored the children and made many friends along the way. In her autumn years, she spent time quilting and working jigsaw puzzles. Valetta's greatest enjoyment in life was witnessing her children and grandchildren become respectable adults. She also treasured her great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and five brothers. Her husband of 60 years, James Henry Orth on August 2, 2016. Survivors include children, Tina Orth and husband, Odis Malone, James E. Orth and wife, Gena and Kay Matocha and husband, Jon; grandchildren, Dan Orth and wife, Kendra, Robert Swanson and wife, Sarah, Jeffrey Orth, Kacy Cameron and husband, Kyle and Alex Malone; great-grandchildren, Ethan and Luke Swanson, Ever Malone and Camille Orth. In addition, Mrs. Orth is survived by her sister, Joy Mills and dear niece Ann Mills Flanagan. Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, October 21, 2016 at Lux Funeral Home. Graveside services are scheduled for 10:30 AM on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at Comal Cemetery with Rev. Rich Van Natter officiating. Memorial donations may be given to the American Heart Association: donate.americanheart.org