Betty S. Patterson

In Loving Memory of Betty S. Patterson

The memorial service to celebrate and honor the life of Betty S. Patterson, 76, of Edmond, formerly of Enid, the private family service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 29, 2023, in the Brown-Cummings Chapel. Services and complete cremation care are under the direction of Brown-Cummings, A Life Celebration Home.

Betty was born to Leon and Eula Mae Peck Hinderliter on March 4, 1947, in Freedom, Oklahoma. She peacefully passed away in Fayetteville, Arkansas on December 22, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.

Growing up and receiving her education across Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle due to her father's career, Betty graduated from Alva High School in 1965. She furthered her education at Northwestern State University, graduating in 1969 with a double major in math and English and a minor in education.

During her college years, Betty met the love of her life, Lt. Col. (Ret.) James L. Patterson. The couple exchanged vows on July 7, 1968 at the Church of Christ in Enid. While finishing college, Betty worked alongside her father, mother, new husband, brother and sister at Ideal Food Store #31 before her father opened Hinderliter Meat Market in Enid.  Upon completion of her degree, she began teaching in Carrier, OK.

Once her husband was accepted into the USAF, James underwent Officer Training School in San Antonio, Texas. After James became a USAF pilot, the family resided in many places, including Sembach Air Force Base, Germany.  Ultimately, they returned to Enid’s Vance Air Force Base in 1983 where Betty served as president of the Officers Wives Club in 1987.

Throughout James’ military career, Betty devoted herself to being a loving wife and mother, ensuring her children always felt cherished. After her children embarked on their college journeys, Betty rediscovered her passion for teaching. While teaching, Betty also earned her Master’s Degree in Education and became a certified reading specialist.

She served as a reading specialist at Waukomis and then Chisolm until her well-deserved retirement. In 2003, the couple settled in Edmond, creating a warm and loving home. Betty was an avid reader, finding joy in the nuances of various authors. She shared her love of gardening, cultivating vegetables alongside her husband, enjoyed fishing, and was a chef extraordinaire. Betty was a vital member of her family’s competition BBQ team, The QMUP Family BBQ team. Known for her love of animals, she cared for her dogs with unparalleled devotion. Betty embodied strength and love as a family-first conservative lady.

She is survived by her devoted husband of the home, daughter Jill Ruding and husband Jens of Williamsburg, Virginia, and son Jeff Patterson and his wife Jennifer of Enid. Betty was adored by her grandchildren: Parks Phillips, Camryn Patterson and Cassidy Patterson.  She is also survived by her brother Bert Hinderliter and wife Mary Beth of Enid, sister Brenda Zweifel and husband Doug of Granbury, Texas.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents.  She will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Oklahoma Humane Society of Oklahoma City, OK, with Brown-Cummings serving as custodian of the funds.

Condolences and special memories may be shared with the family online at www.brown-cummings.com.