Betty Rinderer

Betty was born on September 14, 1928, in Checotah, Oklahoma, to Cora T. Thomas and Emmanuel Franklin Baxter. She was one of ten children, growing up with nine siblings before graduating from Ninnekah High School.

After high school, Betty met Edward Clark Pierce, who had recently returned home after serving in World War II. The couple met in Chickasha, Oklahoma, married, and welcomed four children: Larry, John, Joanie, and Cindy. They eventually settled in Del City, Oklahoma, where they purchased their first home and raised their family. Betty devoted herself to her children and proudly supported Larry and John as they wrestled for Del City High School.

Following her divorce from Ed, Betty embraced a new beginning in Colorado with her daughter Cindy. She quickly fell in love with the mountains, the beauty of the state, and the independence of starting over. During this time, she pursued her passion for photography before beginning a career in the accounting department at Chevron.

While at Chevron, Betty met the love of her life, Bill Rinderer. Their careers took them to Walnut Creek, California, where they married and shared a lifetime of love, adventure, and travel. Together they explored the world, walking the Great Wall of China, visiting Rome and seeing the Pope, vacationing in Lake Tahoe, and creating memories that reflected Betty’s adventurous spirit and appreciation for life.

After retirement, Betty and Bill returned to Oklahoma City, where they made their home on Rain Tree Road for the next four decades. Their home became the gathering place for family, filled with holiday celebrations, birthdays, and countless special occasions. Betty’s greatest joy was bringing her family together, creating traditions, sharing laughter, and making everyone feel welcome.

More than anything, Betty will be remembered for her strength, resilience, adventurous spirit, creativity, and unconditional love for her family. She embraced every chapter of her life with grace and optimism, leaving behind a legacy of cherished memories that will live on through the generations she loved so deeply.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Emmanuel Franklin Baxter and Cora T. Thomas; and her husbands, Edward Clark Pierce and Bill Rinderer; her siblings Raymond, George, Ulysses, and Cepha; her daughters, Cindy Pierce and Cathy Pierce; and her great-grandson, Ian.

She is survived by her children, Larry Pierce; John Pierce; and Joanie Peterson and her husband, Glen.

She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Lisa; Jamie; Larry and Terra; Stephanie; Stephen; John and Megan; Michael and Nydia; Cory; and Matthew and Morgan.

Her cherished great-grandchildren include Jolissa, Jessica, and Jaynna; Logan, Rylee, Tyre, and Caitlyn; Kaden; Alyssa and Phoenix; Cole, Bodie, Dylan, and John; and Maribel, Isabel, Blace, and Nykella.

She was also blessed with great-great-grandchildren Macie Mae, Sonny, Kierra, and Lily, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to her brother, Roger, who lovingly shared her home and cared for her during the last four years of her life.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held 10:00 am on July 17 at Memorial Park Funeral Home in Oklahoma City, followed by her interment in Chickasha, Oklahoma.