Bette Ward Widney was born in Wichita, KS on May 21, to Orpha (Peggy) and Ernest J. Ward. She attended grade school in Wichita and graduated as valedictorian from Alva High School in Alva, OK, where she also attended Northwestern State College. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in journalism and participated in the Creative Studies program at the University of Central Oklahoma. She Married Ralph Thomas Widney on May 30, 1948. They had three children: Thomas Ward; Jill Frye and Coulson DeHaven. Shortly after her marriage she became a free-lance writer in children’s and young adult fiction, as well as inspirational non-fiction. Her first book Mystery of the Wheat Pirates was followed by Mayonnaise on French Fries, a young adult novel, which was published in Germany and Hungary. Numerous short pieces, both fiction and non-fiction have appeared in national publications. She was active in Oklahoma City Writers, Inc., in Oklahoma Writers Federation, where she became an honorary life member and recipient of the coveted cremeda-la-crème book award for Mayonnaise on French Fries, and Gadflies, a small critique group which met weekly in her home for years. She was a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers, past member of Oklahoma Press Women and the National Association of American Pen Women. She loved being part of Trinity Sunday School class at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, where she was a former member. She kept active in an aerobics class at Integris Pacer Fitness Center. Highlight of her week was the Movie Bunch. In addition to Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, she was a member of Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. She volunteered for many years at The Christmas Connection, an organization linking those in need of receiving to those in need of giving. She is survived by her daughter, Jill Frye and husband Jon Frye; son, Coulson DeHaven Widney and wife Marcella; stepsister, Marilynn Mulkins; half-brother, Monte J. Ward; and neice Anne Copeland and husband and family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, her son Tommy, her parents, her stepmother Hyacinth Ward and stepfather Irl R. Boyce; beloved nephew Tom Haller, wife Carolyn Haller and his kids, Todd and Kelly. She and Tom traveled extensively world-wide and were gourmet cooks. Memorials can be made to Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 2717 W. Hefner Rd., Oklahoma City, OK 73120, The Christmas Connection, P.O. Box 891020, Oklahoma City, OK 73189, or a charity of your choice. Funeral Services will be 11:00 am at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church with interment to follow at Rose Hill Burial Park.
