Elizabeth Saxby
Obituary
Elizabeth Jane "Bette" Saxby was born on August 4, 1923 in Cleveland, OH to Fred Ashley Roach and Catherine Champney (Capron) Roach. Bette passed from this life surrounded by her family on Sunday, May 6, 2012 at the age of 88.
Bette was preceded in death by her late husband, Robert "Bob" Saxby in 2003 after 60 years of marriage. She and Bob were married on December 24, 1942 and resided in the Brookside area of Tulsa before moving to Jenks.
Bette and Bob were members of John Knox Presbyterian Church when asked to participate in a Presbyterian outreach program in 1981 to establish a Presbyterian church in the Jenks area. With hard work and dedication they, together with other dedicated visionaries, established St. James Presbyterian Church. She was a very active charter member of St. James Presbyterian Church which she supported with her time, talents and love. Bette was also a member of the Extension Homemakers.
In addition to her husband Bob, she was preceded in death by her brother, George Roach and a sister, Dorothy Dorman. Bette is survived by her 2 daughters, Jane Hedrick, of Jenks, OK and Cathy Saxby, of Flower Mound, TX; 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Rev. Robert H. Saxby, Jr. and Lynne Hakes, of Napa, CA and George and Pat Saxby, of Jenks, OK; a brother Robert Roach; 6 grandchildren, Margie Monroe and her husband, Travis; Jennifer Scott and her husband, Toby; Jeff Smallwood and his wife, Emily; Alyn Williams and her husband, Bryan; Jeremy Saxby and Lindsay Saxby and 6 great grandchildren, Jackson Monroe and Jenna Canady, Charlie and Abby Scott, John Smallwood and Sydney Jane Smallwood (on the way in June) and Rylee Williams.
The family asks in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the St. James Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 11970 S. Elm, Jenks, OK 74037.
Events
Tributes & Memories
Funeral Home Owner
Bette and I met several years ago through her loving daughter Janie. Janie and I met at Asbury United Methodist Church. As I celebrated this past Easter with Bette she reminded me of her love for chocolates! She and I enjoyed every one of those foil eggs! Although her love for our Lord extended way beyond her love for chocolates. Now she is with Him forever!
Linda Nagy
I lived next door to Bette for many of my teen and adult years. She is an amazing person and taught me many lessons in life. I will always cherish the time spent with her and Bob both and being able to share many moments..she is in a great place being a person of God and my deepest sympathies go out to the family for their loss.
Shana McCawley Phillips
Mom Saxby and I shared the love of reading romantic novels. She was my reading buddy who I kept supplied with reading material. As I continue reading my novels I know she will be looking over my shoulder reading with me.
I also never got tired of hearing the romantic story how she and Bob met and fell in love. Now she is with the lover of her life again.
Beverly Gemmell
Your light is shining brighter now that you are with the love of your life.
The Gemmell Family
I will always remember Bette because she often brought me to church with her daughter Cathy when I was a child. I spent alot of time at their house playing and was invited to Vacation Bible School where I first learned about Jesus. Though that was many years ago, The tiny seeds she helped plant grew over the years and turned my heart toward God as an adult. May she rest in peace.
Lisa Jones Zerbey
I did not know Bette long but adored her from the first day. What a live wire, and a genuinely fine woman. I will not forget her. Yes, Sundays will not be the same. I will miss her hugs, her optimism and her unfailing support. The peace of Christ be truly with you all.
Ann Wasson
Sunday's have forever changed. Grandma Bette you'll be missed more than words can express. I take comfort knowing that you and Bob are together again wearing your matching colors. I pray that you watch over us and continue to guide us down the path that you and others set out for us many many years ago. I love you, Sam
Samantha Lybarger