Betty Grandstaff Moses, 83, died Friday, Jan. 9, 2015 in Tulsa, OK. She was born Jan. 13, 1931 in Cushing, OK to Leslie and Buleah (Peterson) Grandstaff.
Before the age of 5 she began formal piano lessons and by age 13 was the church pianist for First Christian Church of Cushing, OK. After graduating as valedictorian of Cushing High School, she studied piano performance and music at the University of Texas, Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore and Tulsa University. In addition to teaching countless piano students as a member of the Tulsa Accredited Music Teachers Association, her professional career was rich and rewarding.
Moses served as the piano accompanist for undergraduate, graduate and faculty recitals at five area universities, as well as for many visiting artists. She was renowned for her ability to transpose and sight-read music. For many years she was the official accompanist for the Metropolitan Opera District and Regional auditions.
She was the principle keyboardist for the Tulsa Philharmonic for 20 years, and had an outstanding association with the Tulsa Opera, the Tulsa Ballet Orchestra and the Music Sandwiched In series at the Tulsa Central Library. She was a member of the Hyechka Club, Piano Study Club, Wednesday Morning Musicale, and Sigma Alpha Iota.
Betty was chosen to perform two programs at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. to represent Oklahoma during the Bicentennial. In recognition of her musical and community services she received the Mayor's Award and the Governor's Proclamation declaring "Betty Moses Day" on January 9, 1994. Betty retired as the organist of the Memorial Baptist Church after 53 years of service in 2013.
For 61 years Betty Grandstaff Moses was the loving wife of Harold L. Moses who died in 2011. She is survived by son: Harold Grandstaff Moses and his wife, Laura J. Hungerford, Phoenix, AZ; daughter: Nanette Marie Hjelm and her husband Scott Hjelm of Tulsa, OK; grandchildren: Sarah Moses Luft and her husband Dan Moses Luft of Sommerville, MA; Peter Moses of Dallas, TX; Lauren, Scott Jr., Samuel and Seth Hjelm; great grandchildren: Katya, Alexander, Esther and Nicholai Luft.
Family will greet friends from 6-8 PM, Monday, Jan 12, 2015 at Moore's Southlawn Chapel. A Memorial Service for Betty Moses will be at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at Memorial Baptist Church, 2800 South Yale, Tulsa, OK. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233 share memories at www.moorefuneral.com