Betty Lorraine Gardner

Betty Lorraine Gardner, age 87, of Nichols Hills, OK, passed from this life on August 27, 2014. Betty was born to Clifford and Annette Gunning on February 12, 1927 in Springfield, IL. She was raised in Springfield where she attended school, graduating from Lamphier High in 1945. Betty was married to Leroy (Okie) Gardner on October 18, 1952 in Arkansas. Betty followed Okie to various posts in the United States during his military and civil service career, the last being Altus, OK, where they lived until she and Okie moved to the Oklahoma City area to be nearer their family. Betty enjoyed telling stories about her time working for Illinois Bell Telephone and the Oklahoma Tax Commission. Betty was devoted to her family, both blood and chosen.

The world lost an interesting character – one that traveled the planet by reading historical fiction – one that had a passion for crossword puzzles – one that knew no strangers, even talking twenty minutes with a wrong number. The world also lost a good woman – one that volunteered for many service organizations (like the NCO Wives, Red Cross and Road Runners, to name a few) – one that knew most everyone by name before they signed in to vote. Finally, the world lost a great mother – not only for her immediate family, but her extended family, which included the kids of friends, kids in the neighborhood, friends of her kids, even as Class Parent for Altus High School 1972. She showed her love of God by her great love for us.

Betty is survived by her husband of 61 years, Okie Gardner; her daughter April Miller Shultz; her son David Gardner and his wife, Jana; and her daughter-in-law Linda Gardner. Also surviving are her sister Connie Tyler and brother Michael Kelley and his wife, Charlotte. Betty is survived by her grandson Jeremy Gardner and wife, Liz, and their two children; granddaughter Casey Dees; grandson Mike Glass and his two children; grandson Eric Miller and his wife, Christie, and their two children; granddaughter Nicole Blakley-Chaudoin and her husband, Shaun, and their son; granddaughter Sarah Elizabeth Blakley-Weider and her husband, Mike, and their three children. Betty is survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Sherry, and son Dan.

Family will greet friends from 2 to 4 p.m., Monday, September 1, 2014 for Visitation at Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper.

Funeral Services for Betty will be held Tuesday, September 2nd, 2014 at 10 a.m. at Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Chapel at 6600 Broadway Extension, Oklahoma City, OK, with Interment to follow at Rose Hill Burial Park at 6001 NW Grand Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK . The family suggests memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements under the direction of Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors, Oklahoma City, OK.