Obituary for Betty Mowdy

Betty J. (Williams) Mowdy was born June 24, 1921 in Burbank, the daughter of James G. and Clara (Coleman) Williams.

She moved with her parents to California at an early age where she attended elementary school. Later, she returned to Oklahoma with her parents and attended Stillwater High School where she was a catcher on the softball team, a member of the Drum and Bugle Corps, and a Drum Majorette in the band. Betty won numerous awards in field and track, and was the first high school junior to receive the National Home Economics Award.

Following her graduation from high school in 1940, she attended the Ponca City Business College on a scholarship and graduated there in 1941. While attending classes she cashiered at the Ritz, Roxy, Murray, and Poncan Theaters. Later she worked as a window dresser at J.C. Penney’s and then at Mid-American Manufacturing Company.

On June 28, 1941 she and John J. Mowdy were united in marriage by the Reverend Jack Oliver in the First Christian Church Parsonage in Perry. Three sons were born to this union, Michael John, David Lynn, and Timothy Gail. In 1946 she was Oklahoma State Champion, flying model airplanes. In 1947 she was named Kansas State Champion flying model airplanes. In the 1960’s she and her three sons enjoyed racing go-carts and winning many trophies. She also enjoyed bowling and bowled in a league.

In 1950 Betty began her 32 year career working with Conoco, retiring in 1982. She worked in the Oil Settlement Unit, Exploration Geophysics and the Central Computer Department. She was a past member of Desk and Derrick and the Oklahoma Petroleum Council. She traveled the state presenting the "Magic Suitcase" for Conoco. In 1952 she and John began their farming and cattle operations at their farm east of town, retiring in 1990. They spent summers in Colorado visiting with friends and family.

Betty enjoyed crocheting afghans and entering them in the County Fair, winning may ribbons. She enjoyed going to her grandsons baseball and football games and spending time with her grand-daughter and great grand-daughters.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Lavita Marie and a half-brother, Byron. Her husband of sixty years in December of 2001, and a son, Michael John in October of 2001. A brother-in-law, Francis Marion Mowdy and wife Margaret; Hill Mowdy and wife Earline; close friends Jim and Pat Reedy.

She is survived by sons, David Lynn of Ponca City, Timothy Gail and wife Sandra Mowdy of Greeley, Colorado. One grand-daughter Marty Jay Hunsucker and husband Whit of Ponca city. Four grandsons, Chris McKay of Greeley, Colorado. Joshua Mowdy and wife Che of Greeley, Colorado, John Michael Mowdy and wife Tonya of Newkirk, Oklahoma, James Matthew Mowdy of Ft Carson, Colorado and a daughter-in-law, Mary J. Mowdy of Newkirk. Seven great grand-daughters, Sarah Hunsucker, Savannah Bagg, Emylee Mowdy, Maliyah Mowdy, Chase McKay, Fate and Lyric Jones. Special nephew and niece, Don Mowdy and Judith McClung as well as several nieces and nephews. Her close friends John and Pam Reedy and family. And her close friend of many years Cecelia Dewberry.

Memorial Contributions can be made to a charity of your choice and there will be no services.

Source: Trout Funeral Home