Betty Whitton

The community of Holdenville is saddened by the loss of Betty Whitton, a beloved and lifelong resident who passed away at Heritage Village Retirement Center. Betty’s life, rich with memories and contributions, spanned nearly a century.

Born on February 25, 1925, in Ardmore, Oklahoma, Betty was the cherished daughter of Harry and Pearl Sipe. Her formative years were spent in the family’s home located at the five-mile corner between Holdenville and Wewoka. The Sipe family home was a gathering place for locals, boasting a grocery store, merchandise, car repair, bait shop, and used car lot. It was where friendships were forged, stories were shared, and warm memories created.

Betty’seducational journey began in Holdenville’s public schools, where fate introduced her to her future husband, Darrel Whitton, in the Central Elementary Toy Band. Their relationship grew during junior high, with Darrel biking to the five-mile corner to visit her. Betty, a popular young lady, had an abundance of cherished friends.

The onset of World War II altered Betty’s high school days. She and her friends turned their attention to supporting the war effort by selling United States Savings Bonds and writing letters to the young men from Holdenville who had gone off to serve. Throughout her life, Betty would recount these years, reflecting on the uncertainty and longing for the safe return of loved ones.

Betty’s thirst for knowledge led her to Northwestern University in Chicago for summer workshops where she studied radio media. She pursued higher education at Oklahoma Women’s College in Chickasha after high school. Though her father was initially skeptical, her mother, Pearl, advocated for her education.

On February 10, 1945, Darrel and Betty were united in marriage at Barnard Memorial Methodist Church, where they were lifelong members. Betty remained a devoted member of the church and found solace in her faith, cherishing moments spent with her church family.

Betty and Darrel’s marriage endured for an impressive 75 years, during which they raised their children, Gary, Dana, and Steven, in their cherished home on Burns Street. Betty’s professional journey included many years at the Komar Seamprufe outlet store, where she formed lasting friendships. However, it was her commitment to volunteering that truly defined her. She actively participated in the United Methodist Women, the Holdenville Society of Artist and Sculpture where she served in many capacities including President, Diana Award, Pink Ladies, and was instrumental in launching the first Girl Scout Brownie Group in Holdenville.

Darrel and Betty’s love remained steadfast, with Darrel passing at the age of 95. With the loving support of her children, her community, and her dear friend, Nelma Covington, Betty was able to remain in her home until June, 2023.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband Darrel Whitton, and her Sipe sister Helen Darks.

She is survived by her sons, Gary Clark Whitton of Holdenville and Steven Gene Whitton of Oklahoma City; her daughter, Dana Waggoner, and husband Dennis of Escalante, Utah; her grandchildren, Dustin and Tina Littell of Chandler, Arizona, Nathan and Kristina Waggoner of Escalante, Utah, Brian and Leah Bloom of Flagstaff, Arizona, and Parker Clark Whitton of Boise, Idaho; greatg randchildren, Makenna, Caden, and Reese Littlel, Augustus Waggoner, and Lydia and Emmeline Bloom; her nephew Andrew Darks and Barbara Padlock; and niece Harriet Thomas.

Betty’s long and fulfilling life was marked by the love of her friends and family. The Whitton family extends heartfelt gratitude to all those who gather to honor a life so beautifully lived. A special thank you to all her wonderful caretakers at Heritage Village.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Barnard Memorial United Methodist Church Foundation in Betty’s memory. PO Box 784, Holdenville, Oklahoma 74848.

Betty’s services will be held on Monday, August 28th, at Barnard Memorial United Methodist Church at 10:00 AM, with graveside following at the Holdenville Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of Hudson-Phillips Funeral Home, Holdenville, Oklahoma.