Betty Ann (Hahn) Rice slipped peacefully into the arms of Jesus, her Lord and Savior, on Sunday, June 12, 2022. She died in her home in Owasso, Oklahoma, surrounded by loved ones. Betty’s celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June30, 2022 at Yukon Church, 11715 NW 10th Street, Yukon, Oklahoma.
Betty was born on Sept. 23, 1928, in El Reno, Oklahoma, to Dan and Inez (Thompson) Hahn. She was the fourth of seven children, growing up in El Reno and graduating from El Reno High School.
Betty met the love of her life, Phil Rice, in the fall of 1944. She always said her greatest desire was to be a wife and mother. That dream began to come true on April 14, 1948, when she and Phil were married in the First Baptist Church of El Reno. The young couple made several moves during their early marriage. They lived in Norman, Oklahoma, while Phil completed his electrical engineering degree then had homes in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; China Lake, Utah; El Reno, Oklahoma; Omaha, Nebraska; and Englewood, California; until finally settling in Yukon, Oklahoma. They eventually relocated to the Baptist Retirement Home in Owasso, Oklahoma.
Betty was employed as a telephone operator and later a secretary until she became a mother. Their marriage was blessed with three children – Becky Ann, Debra Loraine and Gregory George.
Betty was a talented seamstress and cook, but perhaps her greatest gift was her devotion to her family. She made all occasions special and always welcomed friends and family into her home. She was known for her sweet spirit, patience and willingness to encourage others.
Betty was a longtime member of First Baptist Church Yukon, serving in several areas, including Girls Auxiliary leader and Sunday school teacher. She and Phil were founding members of Yukon Church and cherished the time they spent there. Betty’s faith was a vital part of her life and her greatest desire was for everyone to know Jesus. She was our biggest cheerleader and prayer warrior.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, husband Phil, sister Pauline and husband Ralph, sister Helen Ruth and husband Fred, brother Charles and wife Orvella, sister-in-law JoAnn Hahn, sister Mary Lou Hahn and brother Jim Hahn. Betty’s oldest brother, Roy, followed her into heaven a mere 12 hours after she made her journey.
Betty is survived by her children, Becky Whiteley and husband Greg, Debbie Burnett and husband Steve and Greg Rice and wife Brenda; nine grandchildren, Mandy Hensley and husband Kamron, Annie Harrel and husband Josh, Katie Karn and husband Jason, Sally Luthi and husband Bert, Jake Burnett and wife Amy Sue, Amy Wolf and husband Denton, Ashley Dossett and husband J. J., Hannah Rice and fiancé Cody Berry and Hunter Rice. Betty is also survived by 28 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who she dearly loved. She also had many friends she considered family.
Memorial contributions may be made to Yukon Church.
