Betty Christie

Luginbuel Funeral Home - Vinita - 918-256-5555......... Betty Louise Christie, 86 year old Ketchum resident, passed away Sunday, February 22, 2015. Betty was born in Bakersfield, CA on October 22, 1928 to W. B. (Buck) and Gladys (Cooper) Thurston. She lived most of her life in Purcell, OK, moving to Ketchum in 1989. Betty was a strong believer of hard work and passed that belief on to her children and grandchildren, by words and example. She stayed active in politics, always helping campaign for someone or simply by voting. She was the first female mayor of Purcell, a position later held by her son David. Betty worked and retired from the Norman Post Office. She also worked at the Purcell Senior Center and was the driving force behind getting the Senior Center established in Ketchum. Her family started Stuff'ns Café in Ketchum where she enjoyed working with her children and grandchildren. She is a past board member of the Grand Gateway Area Aging Council and a member of the Eastern Star. Betty enjoyed Facebooking, keeping up with her children and grandchildren and sharing comical messages and posts. She was an excellent cook, and it was more of a passion for her. She cooked huge meals in anticipation of someone coming by to share it with her. Most days it was her son and grandsons who enjoyed her labor of love. She loved to try new recipes claiming she followed it exactly except for this change or that addition. Ms. Betty was the landlord of several pieces of rental property. Each "renter" quickly became a family member as she took on their every problem, concern or need that arose. She was quick to offer advice, a helping hand, babysitting, food, vehicles or constructive criticism, however painful it might have been. Brutal honesty was her trademark. Survivors include her children: Larry Lee and wife Marilyn of Tulsa, Sandye Berga of Ketchum, David Lee and wife Kathy of Norman, Ron Lee and wife Marlo of Ketchum, Tammy King and husband Mark of Ketchum, and Bill Hogue and wife Linda of Purcell, 12 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, special niece Denice Thurston, as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, and extended family. She is preceded in death by her parents, husbands, and brothers: Kenneth "Bud" Thurston, Walter "Fuzzy" Thurston, and Joe "Babe" Thurston. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at the Luginbuel Funeral Chapel. Private family graveside service will be Wednesday at Hillside Cemetery in Purcell. In lieu of flowers the family asks that we honor her wishes of helping others. Donations may be made and sent to the Ketchum Backpack Program. Caring for children was a passion of Ms Betty's and she couldn't stand the thought of a hungry child. Tax deductible donations can be sent to Ketchum Public Schools, C/O Backpack Program, P.O. Box 720, Ketchum, OK 74349. Services are under the direction of Luginbuel Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemories.com

Visitation Details

Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Luginbuel Funeral Home Vinita

Service Details

Wednesday, February 25th, 2015, Hillside Cemetery

Interment Details

Hillside Cemetery