Betty Lee Porter

As the Fourth of July splashed colors across dark skies, family and friends from the Midwest to Hawaii prepared to say goodbye to Betty Porter, who passed during the early hours of July 5, 2018 at the well-lived age of 95.

Betty lived in many places. Her life began as Betty Lee Waite at Forkner Fig Gardens in Fresno, California where her Canadian-American parents and five siblings moved for work during the Depression. They eventually returned to farming and Canadian family in Ribstone, Alberta where Betty received a good prairie education.

Despite not having an opportunity to complete high school, she passed the entrance exam to nursing school in Lexington, Kentucky where brother Verne was a surgeon. Betty had found her life’s profession and graduated first in her class in 1947. The same year, she married Robert (Bob) Milo Porter, a handsome veteran from Roseburg, Oregon and good friend of little brother, Danny.

Their marriage of 52 years and Bob’s career as a professor of dairy science kept the family moving. Betty hung new curtains in Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio, Hawaii, Missouri and Iowa—and lived an exciting year abroad in India. Retirement years in Hilo, Hawaii were particularly memorable for Betty and the many friends and family who enjoyed the famous “Betty hospitality” at her home on Hallelujah Hill and seaside condo at Bayshore Towers.

At the age of 89 Betty moved from Hilo, Hawaii to Tulsa, Oklahoma to make a final home at Burgandy Place where she made good friends and enjoyed the friendly, caring staff.

Betty relished her many “roles” throughout life: daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, neighbor, hostess, fabulous cook, volunteer, nurse, and the list goes on. But any description of Betty must mention her special gifts of ministry, listening and tea parties.

Betty was one of the first female lay ministers and life-long member of the Community of Christ Church, a central part of life wherever she went. She was accepting of and genuinely interested in others—including her caregivers at the end of life. And finally, she hosted family-famous tea parties where silly names and dress-up clothes were required.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband and many family members who prepared a fabulous “welcome home” tea party after the fireworks were over. Survivors include sister, Irene Sparkes of Alberta, Canada and brother, Daniel Waite (Alice) of Missouri; daughter, Karen DeSoto and son, Chuck Porter (Gay) of Hawaii; daughter, Doris Montgomery (Chuck) of Iowa; and daughter, Vicki Negley (Gary), who provided laughter and loving care until the end in Oklahoma.

Betty loved her nieces and nephews, ten grandchildren and ever-growing number of great grandchildren as only an aunt and grandmother can. She expects the tea parties to continue.

Arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt's Glenpool Funeral Service. Family and friends may send memories and condolences to the family, online at www.schaudtfuneralservice.com.