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Betty Jo Gitthens
September 16, 1926 ~ September 6, 2019 (age 92) 92 Years Old
10 Flowers or Condolences have been shared with support of Betty's family - View on Tribute Wall
Betty Jo Gitthens, age 92, passed away PEACEFULLY on Friday, September 6, 2019, in Oklahoma City, OK. She was born September 16, 1926, in Arkansas, the youngest daughter to the late Robert and Martha (Rather) Parker. Betty cheerfully faced her final, declining months. She grew up during the Great Depression, in Cane Hill (Lincoln), Arkansas, on a farm with her family. She told many stories from these years including climbing the apple trees, picking strawberries, making mud pies, raising chickens, and neighbor gatherings with music and homemade ice cream. For many years she told the tale of her befriending an adorable, white, “baby doll” pig. Betty was a 1944 graduate of Lincoln High School, in Lincoln, Arkansas. She married Victor “Buck” Gitthens on December 11, 1948 in Topeka, KS. After making several moves, raising four children, and tackling a variety of businesses and positions, Betty retired from Eason Oil Company in 1985. While at Eason Oil, she earned a Certified Records Management certification. With Betty’s charm and social ease, she enjoyed her many friends from neighbors, church, and social clubs. Betty and Buck sponsored a youth Christian singing group “The Opening Hours Christian Singers” and for seven years, traveled around the country performing in many churches and events. Betty held a strong faith in God, and prayed often for those around her. Betty’s husband of 38 years, Victor Louis “Buck” Gitthens, sadly passed away in 1977. Also preceding her in death are her siblings John Parker, Ruby Cosby, infant Mary Leona, and Aileen Bichler; and her close and dear sister-in-law Gladys. Betty is survived by four children Vicki and husband Rick Randall of Oklahoma City/Manila, Philippines, Debra and husband Greg Bailey of Oklahoma City, Becky and husband Steve Vaught of Payson, AZ, Randy and wife Donna Gitthens of Austin, TX; grandchildren Amy (Steve) Long, Victoria (Joey) Penwell, Patrick (Amy) Randall, Amber (Marcos) Stocco, Lindsay (Jon) Winders, Jason (Jill) Coursey, Shanda Vaught, Shaina (Dallin) McLaws, Sasha Latonis-Vaught, Scott (Laura) Gitthens, and Mark Gitthens; and a flock of loved great-grandchildren. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will miss their mother dearly, and wish her a peaceful and joyful reunion with many passed family and friends.
Services
Visitation
Tuesday September 10, 2019 10:00 AM to TBD Havenbrook Funeral Home 3401 Havenbrook Street Norman, OK 73072