Olla Dee Bettis' Obituary
Olla Dee Bettis was born October 14, 1924, and was the daughter of the late Jesse Eugene Creech and Jewel Frances (Webb) Creech of Ada, Oklahoma. She departed from this life on June 20, 2024, at the age of 99. Olla, affectionately known as “Dee”, accepted Christ as her Lord, and Savior in a revival at the tender age of 12. She enjoyed playing basketball during her high school years and graduated in 1942 at the age of 17. This was during World War II and on Dee’s 18th birthday, she went to work for Douglas Aircraft in Tulsa, Oklahoma and continued there until the war was over.
Dee met and married Sam Lehrman, Jr. in 1943. They built their home in Tulsa and joined Calvary Baptist Church. Dee taught young adolescent girls for many years in Sunday School. She had a passion for teaching the ways of the Lord to the youth. Dee and Sam were blessed with two sons: Gary and Greg. Dee was a very involved mother, always present and active in their schools and many of their after-school activities.
Dee married Monroe Bettis in 1977. Dee and Monroe moved to Oklahoma City, where they attended Southern Hills Baptist Church and were devoted members. After retirement, Dee and Monroe moved to Lake Tenkiller in Cookson, Oklahoma, where they built a home overlooking the lake. There, they joined Cookson Baptist Church, where she taught 7- and 8-year-old children and was the church secretary for many years.
Following Monroe’s death, Dee moved to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma to be near her sons and their families. She then joined First Baptist Church of Broken Arrow and enjoyed assisting in volunteer work at the church in any way she could. Dee touched the lives of many with her kindness and warmth. She will be forever missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
Dee was preceded in death by her husband, Monroe Bettis; her parents, Jesse, and Jewel Creech; 3 brothers: Jesse C. Creech, Orel E. Creech, and Charlie D. Creech. Dee was also preceded by her sister, Wanemah Kaykendall.
She is survived by her sons: Gary Lehrman and wife Naomi, and Greg Lehrman and wife Koni; sister, Mildred Willmette and brother, Dennis Creech. Dee also leaves to cherish her memory her 4 precious grandchildren: Tim Lehrman and wife Julie; Stacy Wellborn and husband Wade; Jesse Lehrman and wife Jamie; and Eric Lehrman and wife Chanel. Additionally, Dee has 3 great-grandchildren: Maddison Houtman, Maddox Houtman, and Kamryn Lehrman.
There are currently no public services scheduled at this time. Dee was laid to rest at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens in the Garden of Prophets on Tuesday, June 25, 2024.
Arrangements entrusted to Floral Haven Funeral Home.
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