Betty Lou (Graham) Thomas

Our precious Betty Lou Thomas passed away from this life on June 17th, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loved ones.

She was a wonderful wife, sister, mother, mother-in-love, grandmother, and great grand-mother. She was a loving and caring matriarch to her family. Betty was born on August 1st, 1935, to Buddy and Earlene Newsome in Lubbock, TX. They made several moves as a family when she was young including New Mexico and Oregon. As a young mother, Betty made the decision to move with her 3 sons, Jack, Jimmy, and Marvin and settled down in Oklahoma where she met and married Ellis Graham who had 5 children of his own.

Betty, being the wonderful homemaker that she was, blended their two families with ease and became the mother to all 8 children. Betty helped Ellis with his construction company while also managing their household. She was an excellent homemaker and cook. Of the many things she made, her family will miss her wonderful breakfasts, banana pudding, homemade ranch dressing, and chocolate syrup. You could always find Betty and Ellis around the dinner table either playing canasta or dominoes with each other or friends.

Betty always put others before herself and as her children had children, she made no qualm about joining in the activities that required wearing costume attire to such events as ugly sweater parties, 2-year-old parties in which she was made to wear a mustache, or even dog ears for a puppy themed 1 year old party. She became a member of the Ravia Baptist church and was a devout member always involved in the activities of the church whether it be preparing meals or helping with vacation bible school. She also had a love for music and would attend the Reagan Music Center to listen to live singings.

After Ellis passed in August of 2003, she devoted her time to her parents as their health began to decline and took care of both until they passed. After their passing she maintained her commitment to her children, grandchildren, and to the church. As luck would have it, God had something special in store for her when she met her future husband, Charlie Thomas. They married on April 14th, 2012, and had the entire family blended once again and all dressed alike in the trademark John Deere Green shirts for the men of the family, and pink John Deere shirts for the women of the family. Throughout their union they maintained a gentle and precious love for one another, taking care of each other equally as their number 1 priority.
They also shared a love of gardening. When Betty was asked about Charlie by her family she stated, “I sure do like his vegetables!” Her presence in all our lives will be forever missed.
Betty was preceded in Death by her late husband, Ellis Graham, her parents Buddy and Earline Newsome,

Those she leaves behind are her loving husband, Charles Thomas, Her sister Patricia Rodriguez of Ensenada Mexico. Her children Jack Elbert Yochum and wife Raelene of Warner Ok, Marvin Yochum and wife Sherry of Tishomingo, Jimmy and wife Jackie Yochum of Tishomingo, Elain Graham of Tishomingo and Dennis Graham. Her step children Christy and Husband Andy Wilson of Sherman Tx, Damian and Shalena Thomas of Latta OK, Mandy and Mel Deitelhoff Of Reedsburg Wisconsin, Stephen and Tish Thomas of Davis Ok Josh and Rachel Thomas of Prague Ok and Shannon and David Scott of Springfield Missouri, 16 Grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, and 13 Step grandchildren.
Visitation and family hour will be Wednesday June 21, 2023 from 6 pm to 8 pm at the funeral home.  Services will be Thursday June 22, 10am at Ravia Baptist Church. Her remains will then be cremated.

Funeral services are under the direction and care of Hartwell Funeral Home.  Online condolences may be made at hartwellfuneralhome.com

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