Betty C. Caudle lived a life of tremendous faith and gratitude, a great love of family and friends and a sincere caring for all. She made everyone feel important and cherished and a good deal of her thought was given to how she could make life better for those around her. She passed away at her home on November 22.
Betty was born in Tulsa on July 1,1920 to Selma and F. W. Cherryhomes. She graduated from Central High School in 1938 and attended the University of Oklahoma where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. When Betty was 17 she was a patient at St. John Hospital having minor surgery. A young orderly wondered who the patient was whose room was always filled with visitors and laughter. He learned her name and several months later asked a friend to introduce him to the former patient. Four years later, on September 6, 1941, the orderly, Ben D. Caudle, and Betty were married. They were very happily married until Ben's death in 1975. Betty and Ben had two children, Richard Caudle and Cherry Caudle Bost.
Betty had an independent spirit, a bright mind and was an advocate of life long learning. She loved to study the Bible and was always a member of a Bible study group. She founded an investment club which met and studied the stock market for 40 years. For many years Betty was the president of an arts study group and she was a member of several book clubs. She read continually, loved to play bridge and kept well abreast of current events. Betty traveled extensively worldwide. For months preceding a trip, she read about the history, culture, customs and philosophy of the countries she planned to visit. By the time she embarked on a vacation, she had a thorough knowledge of and appreciation for the people and places she would visit.
Generous with her time and compassion, Betty was an active community volunteer well into her 80s. She delivered Meals on Wheels for a number of years, was a member of the Tulsa Boys Home Auxiliary and volunteered each Monday for 18 years at the Tulsa Psychiatric Clinic.
Betty will be remembered for her graciousness, for making everyone feel welcome and comfortable, for her terrific sense of humor and for her optimistic point of view. Betty is predeceased by her husband, Dr. Ben D. Caudle; her son, Richard Caudle; her parents, Selma and F.W. Cherryhomes; and her sister, Eloise Boyum. She is survived by her daughter, Cherry Caudle Bost; her son-in-law, Jim Bost; her daughter-in-law, Peggy Caudle; her beloved grandchildren, Jay B. Bost (Nora Rodli), Sara Bost Fisher (Chris) and Ben F. Caudle; her great grandchildren who gave her tremendous pleasure, John K. Caudle, Sadie L. Fisher, Kailu Rodli Bost and Ellis A. Fisher; sister-in-law, Wilma Caudle; and nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will celebrate Betty's life on Tuesday, November 28th at 2:00 pm. at John Knox Presbyterian Church, 2929 E. 31st Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to John Knox Presbyterian Church or The Salvation Army.