Betty Erwin, a long-time Elk City resident, died on November 15, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.
Betty was born on February 10, 1943, to Grady and Clarene Williams in Wellington, Texas. She grew up in the Texas Panhandle in “the house on the hill,” a 4-room abode with no running water or indoor plumbing. Despite its modesty, the farmhouse was filled with love and plenty of food on the table. The family raised cattle and chickens, so there was always a feast for dinner. As a girl, Betty used to look forward to visiting her grandparents in town, where she could enjoy a simple bologna sandwich.
The second oldest of five girls, Betty was the tomboy of the family and designated herself as her dad’s right hand on the farm. She milked the cows each morning before walking a mile to catch the school bus and then returned for more chores in the evening. Betty loved to run and jump as a girl and would take off as fast as she could to help her dad despite his admonishments for her to slow down.
At the age of 15, Betty went to live with her oldest sister and her family in Shamrock, Texas, where she got her first paying job as a carhop at a local drive-in. She met and married Gerald Nippert in 1961 and they had a daughter, Robin, before Gerald passed away at age 24. Afterward, Betty rekindled her relationship with her first love, Jim Erwin, and the two married and blended their families, including Jim’s daughter, Georgia. The pair went on to have two more children, Todd and Debbie, and raised their family in Elk City, Oklahoma. The two were married for 56 years, until Jim’s death in 2021, and are affectionately remembered for their good-natured bickering.
Betty had a very strong work ethic, which was instilled in her from a young age. She believed in arriving early and staying late to get the job done. She was a popular fixture at the Elk City Wal-Mart, where she worked tirelessly for several decades. Her work friends and customers were like family to her. Betty later worked at the Elk City Health Club and, until her death, ran the family business, Mattress Warehouse.
Working with the public suited Betty, who was an extrovert by nature. She never met a stranger and would strike up a conversation with just about anyone. Her family knew that when she ran errands she would not be back for hours. She loved seeing people she knew and catching up.
Betty also enjoyed a blessed home life. Her house was often filled with visitors, including her children’s friends and numerous nieces and nephews, many of whom considered her their second mom. Betty cherished all her family, but she took extra joy in being a grandmother. She held a special place in her heart for each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She delighted in caring for and spoiling them and never passed up an opportunity to sing their praises. Her love extended to all their friends as well and she was known far and wide as “Grandma Betty.”
Betty was a member of the First Christian Church in Elk City. She will be remembered by the parishioners for the delicious tea she made for fellowship each Sunday and for how she doted on all the church’s children, who affectionately called her “Ms. Betty.”
Betty is survived by daughters Robin Word (James Butcher), Georgia Erwin, and Debbie Erwin; son Todd Erwin; sisters JoAnn McLerran, Jeanie Bridge (Billy), and Dorothy Bridge (Leon); grandchildren Melissa Lewman (Dave), Joey Word (Mariann Paige), Tinae Erwin, Jami Hagerman (Collin), and Isabelle Blount; nine great-grandchildren: Cassie, Dave Jr., David, Chase, James, Mason, Xander, Libby, and Claire; numerous nieces and nephews; and her canine child, Sammy.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her two husbands; sister Ovela Young; son-in-law Chuck Blount; and granddaughter Jennifer Word.
A memorial service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 24, 2023, at the First Christian Church, 1500 N. Randall, in Elk City, Oklahoma.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Meals on Wheels, 1510 W. Ninth St., Elk City, OK, 73644.
