Obituary for Betty Schwarz

Betty Sue Schwarz

September 7, 1925 – October 4, 2019

Betty Schwarz, life-long resident of Ponca City, passed away on Friday, October 4, 2019 at Via Christi Village following a short illness. She was 94 years old.

Betty was born on September 7, 1925 to Lilly Rose Leach and Julius John Sherbon in Ponca City. She attended schools in Ponca City, graduating from Ponca City High School in 1943. Shortly after graduating, Betty started her long working career at Continental Oil Company. She worked in oil and gas royalty accounting for 41 years, retiring in 1985.

Betty married Gilbert Schwarz on October 23, 1954 in Oklahoma City. They were married nearly 58 years before Gilbert’s passing in 2012. They loved traveling and traveled often, visiting nearly all U.S. states and Canada – basically any place accessible by car as Betty had an intense fear of flying. Road trips to Canada, California, Dallas, TX and Red River, NM were some of their favorite journeys. They traveled many times on Route 66, stopping along the way to see landmark sites such as the amazing Grand Canyon, Laguna Beach, Disneyland, and glitzy Las Vegas. Joining them on their Route 66 travels were Betty’s brothers and sisters and their families.

Another favorite travel tradition for Betty and Gilbert was the annual OU-Texas football weekend. They attended this fun time weekend in Dallas on at least 30 occasions, traveling there by Amtrak train, which they both dearly loved. Amtrak travel was eventually replaced by car travel, to stay longer, so Betty could get some serious shopping done at her favorite shopping venue, the Galleria Mall. She loved shopping and did it well. At the top of her list was jewelry, perfume, makeup, and more jewelry.

Later in life, Red River, New Mexico became a favorite travel destination for both. Gilbert spent his time trout fishing and four wheeling while Betty went shopping with the Bobcat jewelry store being one of her favorite destinations. At days end, everyone would meet back at the Bull-of-the-Woods Saloon for beverages and freshly popped popcorn.

Betty was very close to her nieces and nephews and her great nieces and nephews. She and Gilbert spent countless hours attending football and basketball games, cheerleading and Hi-Stepper performances, proms, and graduation events. Betty and Gilbert didn’t miss any of these events and she was so special to all of them. Many, many great memories will remain with all her extended family of nieces and nephews. Aunt Betty was witty and so much fun to be around. She will be dearly missed.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Donald and Jerry Sherbon and one sister, Larose Petty. She is survived by one brother, Bobby Sherbon, and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of North Central Oklahoma (www.hospiceofnorthcentraloklahoma.org/donate.html).

A graveside ceremony will be held on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at 11:00am at Odd Fellows Cemetery. Friends of Betty Sue Schwarz are welcome to attend. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.

Source: Trout Funeral Home