Laraine Ann Craig Bethke

Laraine Bethke, 80, of Arlington, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on June 24. Born in 1944, in Manhattan, New York, Laraine was the proud daughter of U.S. Navy World War II veteran Robert Craig and his wife, Irene Craig. As a military child, Laraine spent her early years in Brooklyn, Seattle, San Diego, Oahu, and Jacksonville before the family settled in Arlington, Texas following her father's final duty station at Naval Air Station Dallas. 

Laraine attended Berry Elementary, Carter Junior High, and graduated from Arlington High School in 1962. As a teenager, Laraine met the love of her life, Herbert "Ben" Bethke. They married at Saint Maria Goretti Church in Arlington in August 1962. The following year, they welcomed the first of their seven children, beginning a life of love, faith, and family that would shape the decades to come.

In 1971, Laraine embarked on a lifelong commitment to the pro-life movement. For several years, she and Ben opened their home to unwed mothers, offering compassion and support during a vulnerable time. She also volunteered with Together, Inc., a forerunner to the Arlington Pregnancy Center. In 1974, she became a founding member and President of the Arlington chapter of Texas Right to Life, launching decades of advocacy and public service.

An ardent patriot, Laraine campaigned tirelessly throughout the years for local, state, and national candidates. She helped her own father become the first Republican elected to Tarrant County government from Arlington in over 100 years. She, herself, ran for a seat in the Texas House of Representatives and sought Speaker of the House in 1989. A proponent of higher education, Laraine earned her bachelor's degree in political science from UT Arlington at the age of 50, completing classes little by little over the years while raising her children and welcoming grandchildren. Once her youngest child graduated college, Laraine continued her public involvement by running for Justice of the Peace, serving as Vice President of the Arlington Republican Club, and dedicating many years as a precinct chairman. In 2004, she and Ben were honored to serve as delegates at the Republican National Convention in New York.

Professionally, Laraine spent over 22 years in the aviation field, ultimately serving as a compliance officer coordinating with numerous federal agencies to uphold safety and accountability standards critical to flight operations. She assisted with scheduling and training pilots as they pursued both private and commercial flight status. 

Even in her later years after surviving open-heart surgery and her husband's death, Laraine remained active and dedicated to her community despite her own declining health. At the time of her passing, she was an invested member of the Arlington Republican Women's Club and maintained a leadership role at Mended Hearts, a national nonprofit devoted to improving the quality of life for individuals and families affected by cardiovascular disease. 

All pursuits and accomplishments aside, Laraine placed her friends and family at the forefront of her attention. She loved nothing more than spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her final days were spent conveying her deep love for them all. 

Laraine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Herbert (Ben) Bernard Bethke; her son, Brandon Michael Bethke; her parents, Robert and Irene Craig; her sister, Terry Craig; her grandson, Cody Michael Boyd; and her son-in-law, Randy Lee Storm.

She is survived by her children: Benjamin Paul Bethke (Susanne), Ann Marie Storm, Brian Patrick Bethke, Teresa Michele Bethke, Mary Kathleen Adams (Chris), and Christina Irene Standard (Lance), Brother Alan Craig (Mary), 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. 

Laraine's life was guided by unwavering faith, fierce conviction, and a deep love for her family and country. Her legacy of compassion, courage, and service will live on through the countless lives she touched.