Obituary for Betty Faye Kosley

Betty Faye Kosley

(August 11, 1964 – December 2, 2015)

Betty Faye (Cutler) Kosley, age 51, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2015 in Houston, TX after a remarkable twelve-year brave and courageous battle with brain cancer.

Betty Faye was born on August 11, 1964 in Ponca City, OK. She was the daughter of Jack (deceased) and Betty Cutler of Newkirk, OK. Betty Faye grew up in Ponca City, OK and graduated from Ponca City High School in 1982.

Betty Faye’s love of music started at a very young age. Her home was always filled with music, singing and dancing. Her first solo was in the 5th grade while attending Garfield school. She continued singing throughout her years. She was a member of the mixed chorus at East Jr. High, and a proud moment came in 9th grade when auditioning for the Po-Hi Chorale. Before Betty Faye, only one other girl had been selected to join the Chorale as a sophomore. As a senior, Betty Faye received the Outstanding Choral award. Her love for music continued on as an active member of the Foundry United Methodist Church Choir. A highlight for many during the Easter season was Betty’s singing of “Via Dolorosa” as a featured soloist for many years. She sang with her heart and touched so many with that special gift. Betty’s love for music also included dance. This allowed her to become a member of the Po-Hi Stepper Drill Team in her junior and senior years which brought her much joy. During football games she could always count on her father yelling “Way to go, Baby Girl!”

Betty Faye began her working career at the Honey Tree children’s clothing store and continued on at TG&Y in Ponca City. After graduation, Betty Faye went to work as a secretary at the Conoco Refinery. It was there she met Al Kosley and their journey began. They worked in the same office building and made many excuses to need to “make copies” and meet in the copy room to visit. Betty Faye and Al were married on August 8, 1987 in Ponca City. They traveled to Tahiti for their honeymoon which was the first international experience for both of them. That trip launched their love for travel and adventure which brought them to many exciting places over the years. Betty loved to play soccer, run, water ski, fish, shoot shotguns, and mountain climb. Many of their early years of marriage were spent doing just that. They remained steadfast companions who adored each other every minute of every day of their marriage.

No greater demonstration of love and compassion was that which she held for her children. She gave birth to twin sons, Alex and Austin, “her boys,” on November 1, 1993, and then to her beloved daughter Grace, “Gracie Girl,” on August 28, 1999. Betty raised her children in a Christian home where she took great pride in teaching them family values. She was dedicated in every aspect of their lives including soccer coach, baseball coach, home room mother, band mom and so many other roles. She never missed the opportunity to cheer on her kids at their many sporting events including: dance recitals, band performances, track and cross country meets. Even in her later years when she was physically unable to fulfill many of those roles, she was their constant encourager and inspiration to persevere and never give up. Her cheering could be heard by all. Her strength has become theirs.

Betty was diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer in 2004. She battled through countless surgeries, treatments, and rehabilitation sessions with a smile and infectious positive attitude that impacted everyone with whom she came into contact. Her battle against cancer was, in itself, inspirational and demonstrated unimaginable bravery. When she went to chemo and radiation treatments, she always said that it gave her an opportunity to witness those who helped her. She thought God put her there for that reason. Betty was determined to be there for her kids, and that drove her to persevere to the end. Her strength and especially her faith in the face of adversity inspired all. Her relentless perseverance will likely help others who have brain cancer. Betty and her incredible team of oncologists, physicians, therapists and nurses worked together to explore new therapies and forge new paths to treatment. In essence, Betty’s fortitude was a selfless gift for humanity.

Betty Faye is survived by Alan (Al) her husband of 28 years, sons, Alex Cutler Kosley and Austin Charles Kosley and daughter, Grace Caroline Kosley of Cypress, TX, her cherished mother Betty Cutler, and beloved sisters, Katy Art and husband Greg of Clearwater, FL, Jackie and husband Scott Ingram of Ponca City, numerous nieces and nephews who will always remember her as “Aunt B” and extended family in Oklahoma, Colorado, and Texas.

She was preceded in death by her father Jack Cutler, grandparents Jack and Clara Cutler, Dewey and Clara Young and nephew Thomas Art.

Al and Betty’s family would like to express their extreme appreciation for the incredible outpouring of prayers, gifts, meals, and visits from family, friends, neighbors, parishioners, and caregivers over the past several years. In particular, the Kosley family would like to especially thank Nery Montilla, her caregiver and truly an angel from heaven who became one of Betty’s dearest companions.

A funeral service was held in Houston on December 5th, at Foundry United Methodist Church with Godfrey Hubert, pastor, officiating. A funeral service will be held in Ponca City, OK, Monday, December 7th, at 10:00 AM at Trout Funeral Home Chapel, 505 West Grand Avenue, with Jay Clapp, pastor, officiating. Casket bearers will be: Alex Kosley, Austin Kosley, Andrew Art, Ben Hook, Will Hook, Chase Ingram, Jackie Ingram, Scott Massey and Abe Means. Burial will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Ponca City.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Betty Kosley Memorial Fund at Foundry United Methodist Church, 8350 Jones Rd, Houston, TX 77065.

An online guest book and condolences may be signed at www.TroutFuneralHome.com

Source: Trout Funeral Home