Betty Lou Waldeck

Betty L. Waldeck, of Norman, OK passed away quietly in her sleep on September 10, 2024. She was 89. Betty was born on February 13, 1935 to Mary Lou (Campbell) and John Eldorado Shaffer in the couple's living room at Nyona Lake, Indiana. A cheerleader, she graduated in 1953 from Fulton High School. Several years after graduating she met 1st Lt. Earl Waldeck, a fighter pilot stationed at Bunker Hill Air Force Base in Indiana. She married her Officer and a Gentleman on June 22, 1957. Immediately after marrying, Earl went off active duty and she moved with him to Norman, Oklahoma so he could get his college degree and attend law school at the University of Oklahoma. It is while living in Norman during this time her sons were born: Todd in 1958 followed by Chris in 1959. In 1961, Earl was recalled to active duty as a result of the building of the Berlin Wall. As an officer's wife, Betty spent the next 11 years living all over the world: Tacoma, Washington; Tripoli, Libya; Portsmouth, New Hampshire; and Guam. She lived through sand storms, blizzards, a typhoon, 3 earthquakes and a forced evacuation from Libya to Spain for 2 months during the 1967 Israeli - Arab 6 Days War. Recalling the evacuation, she always recounted how she left Wheelus Air Base at 12 midnight on a military cargo plane with only 3 suitcases and a boy on each hand as troops were being flown into the base. Her experiences during Earl's military career were some of the most rewarding times in her life. She was a school Room Mother for both of her boys while they were in elementary school, a buyer for the Officer Wives Gift shop, and a two time president of the Officers Wives Club. She was nominated for Air Force Military Wife of the year, placing third in the final competition. She also developed a passion for traveling as she visited different states in the US, as well as numerous countries in Europe and Asia. In 1972 she returned to Norman when Earl retired from military service. After a few years of taking some time off, she spent the next 13 years as a travel agent at University American Travel retiring from that job as manager of the agency. In addition to helping others plan their trips, she continued her travels going on cruises, RV excursions, and additional trips to Europe and Asia. Asked about her travels, she would say that her favorite place to go was Hong Kong (6 times) and her most memorable event was when she climbed the Great Wall in China. Living in Norman, she was active in the Junior League and St John's Episcopal Church serving on the altar guild for over 20 years. She loved to attend OU home football games. Along with her husband and friends she crashed parties held by the Texas legislature during the OU-Texas weekend. Following the death of Earl in February 2023, she moved to Tulsa to be closer to her immediate family. Betty is survived by Cheryl and Todd Waldeck of Tulsa; Jill and Chris Waldeck of Naples, Florida; three grandsons and two great-granddaughters. A memorial service will be held in the Chapel at Saint Simeon's on September 28th at the 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made in remembrance of Betty to St Jude's Children's Research Hospital or the USO. Condolences can be shared online at moorefuneral.com.

Betty Lou Waldeck

February 13, 1935 - September 11, 2024