Bette J. Stopp

Bette Jean Stopp, 71, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, passed away on July 9, 2026 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Born on February 13, 1955, in Fairfield, Nebraska, to Calvin and Marilyn Joan (Pate) Hawkins, Bette lived a life centered around family, laughter, and the little things that made life enjoyable.

Much of Bette's working life was spent with the Cherokee Nation, where she served as an Administrative Assistant for more than 36 years. She began her career on October 1, 1982, and retired on April 26, 2019. She was dedicated to her work and formed many lasting friendships throughout the years.

Bette had a creative spirit and a wonderful sense of humor. She loved reading, writing poetry, sewing, and watching British television, especially Midsomer Murders and Downton Abbey. Family members also looked forward to her homemade "Bellyachers News," a family newspaper she created to share stories, updates, and plenty of laughs. Bette had a soft spot for animals, a big heart for the people she loved, and a way of making everyone feel welcome. She enjoyed spending time with family, sharing stories, and keeping up with those she cared about. While cooking wasn't always her favorite pastime, when she did step into the kitchen, she could put together a meal worth remembering.

Bette is survived by her mother, Marilyn Joan Hawkins; her children, James Lee Stopp, Emily Hockman, John Calvin Stopp, Bradley Scruggins, Avery Scruggins, and Johnna Burkett; her brother, Jerry Hawkins; and her sisters, Cathy Byers, Nancy Cole, and Carol Sapp. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Abbi, Kate, Ryan, Mondo, Raven, Kazmira, Britney, Natashia, Cage, Robin, Jacob, and Chooge, along with her great-grandchildren, Everly, Malcolm, Mila, Taft, Ozzie, Myna, Braxton, Aria, Julian, and Saylor, as well as numerous extended family members and friends

Bette was preceded in death by her father, Calvin Hawkins; her infant brother, Gary Hawkins; her grandparents; her husband, John Scruggins; and her beloved cats, Leroy and Weezy.

Bette will be remembered for her kindness, her sense of humor, her love of family, and her ability to find enjoyment in everyday life. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved her.