Betty Watterson's Obituary
Betty Isabell Watterson, born in Tulsa August 18, 1925 to Lawrenze and Willie Massey, gained her wings July 31st, 2023 at the age of 97 years, 9 months, 13 days in Broken Arrow Oklahoma. She was preceded in death by her parents Lawrenze and Willie Massey, her younger brother Bill Massey, her daughter Patricia Louise Hayes, Her husband Richard E. Hayes, Freddie Watterson and Claud Watterson, and her great grandson Denver Hayes.
Betty attended Kendall and Longfellow Grade school. In 1940 she became a member of the Girl Scouts Troop 22, a special deaf Girl Scout troop, and at that time, they believe it was the only Girl Scouts of its kind in the United States. They were known as the Happy Helpers; these girls were always happy, and one can tell at glance. She served as treasurer for the group. She earned her 2nd class. In 1944 at the age of 18, Betty started working for Modern Bindery as their first full time employee. She retired once at the age of 65, started working part-time then eventually working full time. She continued her career in that industry until she was fell and broke her hip at age 94 . Doing the math, she worked for Modern Bindery for 76 years. During some of her part time work, she also worked for Fine Art printing.
She met and married her first husband Richard Hayes July 4th, 1948. Their first son Rick was born in 1952, and their second, Patty was born in 1955. They later divorced but continued their love and friendships until Richard passed away in 1999. She married her second husband Freddie, and they were married in April 1967 and married until his death in 1985. She later married her third husband, Claud, and remained married until his death several years later. She was dedicated to her family and friends, always willing to help where ever needed, She was on Modern Bindery Bowling team for several years. She was a member of the Deaf Lioness Club, serving in served as officer in several compacities as officer. She served as an assistant den leader to a Rick’s Cub Scout pack, keeping score for his baseball team, or providing drinks for the team after every game. She was active member of East Side Church of Christ for many years then attended Garrett Church of Christ, later known as Journey Church of Christ until the doors closed. For many years you would find her working at the Tulsa International Workshop taping booth or helping her “adopted son” Jack Kovnas with their booth. Her smile was contagious, her love genuine, her “helping hands” was there until the end.
Betty loved to travel, especially with her family. Traveling to many of the states, especially to Branson and two cruises.
She is survived by her son Rick and his wife Arlene, her stepdaughter Becca Cunningham and her husband Bob. Three grand kids, Jason and his fiancée Angela, Joshua, Becca and Nathan. Great grandkids Jacquelyn, Caleb, Patrick, Camryn, Kaylin, Jackson, Elizabeth, Zavian, and Arona. Two great great grandkids Oliver, Dayton and one on the way. Brother Joe Don and his wife Suzanne. Many nephews, nieces.
Memorial services will be held Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Northside Christian Church in Broken Arrow
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