Betty Dean Lawrence

Betty Dean Lawrence, 93, of Nowata, Oklahoma, passed away on November 3, 2023, at the Journey Home in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, with her loving family by her side into the arms of her Lord and Savior. She was born on April 6, 1930, in rural Craig County to Alfred Vernon Ames and Jewel (Howe) Ames. 

Betty grew up in the Lenapah area and graduated from LenapahHigh School in 1946. She married the love of her life; William “Bill” H. Lawrence, in Bentonville, Arkansas, on December 31, 1948. The couple started and ran a dairy farm in Nowata County for many years. They later raised cattle and racehorses. Betty was right by Bill’s side every step of the way in their business endeavors. Along with helping Bill, Betty tended to the home and raised their children.

Throughout her life, Betty had many interests including being a 4-H Club leader. She was an excellent seamstress and prided herself on making family wedding dresses. She enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, and teaching Sunday School. She was active in many extension homemakers’ activities. Betty was a member of the First Church of God in Nowata, as well as attended Cowboy Junction Church in Vinita.

Betty had a huge heart and had a way of making anyone feel welcome. Her doors were always open to anyone. She was very proud of her children and grandchildren. She also loved her dog, Jack. She will be missed by all who knew her. 

Betty is preceded in death by her parents: Alfred and Jewel Ames; her husband: William “Bill” H. Lawrence, her son: Edlia Lawrence; her great-granddaughter: Jeanann West; her siblings: Vernon Ames, Tom Ames, Paul Ames, Edith Copeland, and Janieve Duncan.

Those left to cherish Betty’s memory include her three children: Betty Ann Johnson and husband, Johnny of Bixby, Oklahoma, Mary Jo Victory and husband, Bill of Chelsea, Oklahoma, and Virginia Hamilton and husband, Hank of Dewey, Oklahoma; her 10 grandchildren and spouses, her 36 great-grandchildren, her 4 great-great grandchildren, her sister: Reva Vaughn of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, her sisters-in-laws: Ruth Ames of Collinsville, Oklahoma, Rita Ames of Lenapah, Oklahoma, Kathy Ames of Coffeyville, Kansas,  Joyce Reeder of Claremore, Oklahoma, Kathryn Lawrence of Nowata, Oklahoma, many nieces and nephews, other family members, and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at 10:00 am at the First Church of God in Nowata with Wendell Abbott officiating. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Benjamin Funeral Service Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty’s name to the Journey Home 900 Washington Blvd Bartlesville, OK 74006. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemoriesnowata.com.