Betty Faye Osborne
Obituary
Betty Faye Osborne went home to the Lord August 27, 2015 in peace at Saint Francis hospital. She was welcomed into heaven without pain or fear.
Betty was born February 28, 1935 in Pampa, Texas — the daughter of Bonnie and S.A. (Buster) Bradford. She was the big sister of her three siblings; Peggy in 1937, Pat in 1940 and Don Bradford of Tulsa in 1945.
Betty grew up in Big Spring, Texas and Guymon, Oklahoma. She played the clarinet (well), and was an honor student all through her high school career. She graduated from Abilene Christian University, majoring in Medical Technology, and during her senior year met a dashing young Air Force officer, Gary Osborne. Her classic American story was just beginning.
Gary and Betty married in 1956. After Gary graduated from dental school in Iowa (Betty worked to help pay tuition), the couple settled in Ardmore, OK where Gary started his new dental practice, and the young Osborne’s started raising their new family, settling on that perfect number of kids: Brenda Beth, Paul Garret, and Marsha Marie.
Life in Ardmore was good to the Osborne family, carefully crafted photo albums tell a story of classic family life in small town America with Betty as the steady hub of the wheel — homemaker, nurse, cook, counselor, confidant, and loving friend. She was, in every sense of the word, “Mom.”
When Gary retired the couple moved to her daughter’s hometown, Tulsa, and more importantly where the grand babies lived — and there were a lot of them. She never thought they’d leave Ardmore but Tulsa quickly became home and Betty found her stride at Park Plaza Church of Christ. She loved her church and the people there loved her back. Her family wishes to thank all of the folks at Park Plaza for being such a blessing to our mom, grandmother, and loving friend.
Betty had to witness several family members pass before her. Her husband Gary died in 2004; both of her sisters, Peggy King and Pat Epley died a few years later. And in 2012 she had to endure every parent’s worst fear — outliving one of your children. Paul Osborne, her only son died in Denver, Colorado. Paul was a good man with his mothers’ heart and his father’s grit — he died bravely and well.
And then there are the grandchildren, Betty’s greatest pride and joy. For as long as any of them can remember: every soccer game, football game, basketball game, t-ball, baseball, piano recital, horse events, graduations, school plays, dance recitals, tennis, cross country events, cheerleading, spelling bees and hockey games — they would look out in the crowd and see their grand mommy’s sweet, affirming smile looking back at them. She is an important part of who they are today.
Betty is celebrated by her two daughters, Brenda and Marsha, who faithfully stood by their mom’s side the entire time she was in the hospital. It was both uncommon and inspiring — classic Osborne tenacity for family. Brenda is married to Paul Brothers, they are parents of Jessie Brothers Vallier, Hunter Elizabeth Brothers, John Christian Brothers, Michael Garret Brothers and Luke Shepard Peter Brothers. Marsha is married to Jim Steyer, parents of Parker James Steyer, Connor Garret Steyer, and Madison Marie Steyer.
Her younger brother, Don Bradford is a practicing attorney in Tulsa and the honored executor of her estate.
Betty Faye Osborne will be missed, there’s no question about that. Her selfless love and service to others were rare and a joy for anybody that crossed her path. But for those who love her most, we know her earthly story ended exactly the way she had it scripted. Just like her cookies, flawless.
Her celebration service will be held at Park Plaza Church of Christ at 2:00 PM on Monday, August 31st in Tulsa. 5929 E. 51st Street, Tulsa, OK
Memorial Donations may be made to the Food Bank or the Night Light Programs of Park Plaza Church of Christ — both serving the homeless of Tulsa with pure hearts and an easy smile. Park Plaza mailing address: 4930 South Sheridan, Tulsa, OK 74145
Events
Tributes & Memories
Dear Brenda, Marsha, and Family, I was so saddened to hear of your sweet mother's passing. She was a beautiful soul that always had a smile on her face. Her demeanor was calming and comforting with everyone she came across. Please know you are all in my thoughts, and I am praying that God will give you all comfort at this sad time. Love and sympathy, Karan
Karan Campbell Boucher
Brenda and Marsha: Betty Faye, as Paul called her, was a wonderful christian lady, mother and wife. I will never forget all that your family has done for me and means to me. Betty often included me at family dinners; even though Paul warned me about Tuna casserole night. Tuesday I think it was. I thought it was good. It had the Betty Osborne touch, so of course it was. I haven't seen either of you in years and I hope you are happy and well. Every time I drive by Dr. Gary's (Painless) office I think of the Osbornes. Paul came through Ardmore several years ago and I was able to take him through Carrie Lou's house one last time before it was sold. It's always difficult when you loose your last parent so just know you (all of you) are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you all and keep you safe in His care. Andrew
Andrew C. Jackson
I was sad to hear about your mom. She was a lovely and kind person.
Patti Lemmon Hughes
Brenda...We were so sorry to read in the Ardmoreite, the obituary of your mother, Betty. We remember both she and your father, (our dentist as he hummed away while performing his tasks). We remember Brenda being a lifeguard at the Lake Murray Pool and carefully watching our three sons, Brian, Darrin and Sam, as they paddled away. We remember the old days, old times, old friends. Our sympathies to you and your family. Regards, Steve and Jane Douglas
steve and jane douglas
Brenda and Marsha, My thoughts and prayers go out to you. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your wonderful mother.
Roxanne Southers
We are saddened to hear of Betty's death. She and her whole family were wonderful people, and we have treasured memories of them at Maxwell Ave. Church of Christ. Our love and prayers, The Cobb family
John and Pat Cobb and family
What a legacy! What a blessing to have her steady love throughout your life! Bless you as you journey without her here on earth with you but joy for the love that endures!
Melissa Consedine
Brenda, What an amazing lady! I know she will be greatly missed. I'm keeping you and your family in my prayers. Sending all of you many (((hugs!))) Doris
Doris Degner-Foster
This is the day we celebrate your beautiful fulfilled earthly life. We will never forget your patience, kind heart, and joyful spirit! Not enough memories of our families together, but every one was special. Loving you for having been the best care-giver ever. You were always the calm voice of patience and reason when our family needed it. Missing our wonderful brother and brother-in-law as well this day. Our family funeral bouquet was purchased for the family, keeping in mind the wonderful arrangements our loving nephew Paul would make. Bless all of our loved ones in Heaven this day. We miss them all. Peace and comfort to your family, knowing that all those they love so dearly are now in the trusting arms of the Heavenly Father. Uncle Terry and Aunt Sharon
Terry and Sharon Osborne
My love and prayers to you all. Betty was a joy to me. I loved each and every visit which always followed each time I came to work in her yard and often accompanied by cookies:) I wish I could be there today to celebrate her life with you. She is rejoicing in heaven with her Saviour.
Linda Duntley
Betty was a beautiful, eternally optimistic beacon of light for those who knew her. We will miss her gentle smile and sweet voice!
Debbie Quinn
Our family always looked up to Betty O and depended on her many times, especially David and Margret. She was the ultimate friend and sister. Your family is in our prayers, Kristin, Cody, David, & Margret Tomlinson
David Tomlinson
My heart is hurting as I know yours is too. What a great lady. I loved her very much. Tears flowed as I read the obituary . By the way girls it is very well written. Great job. I texted my kids and all three were sad. They remember the great times we had with your family in Ardmore . How she is having a great family reunion in heaven. What a blessing. Love you girls.
Merel Neill
What a special woman and what a legacy. I am so sorry for your loss Brenda and family. Thank you for sharing the story of her life. May The Lord bless and comfort you all during this time. Kelly Langston and family
Kelly Langston
I already miss you my friend..Know heaven is a much better place because you are there. Love you,
Jo Keys