Obituary of Betty Faye Osborne

Betty Faye Osborne went home to the Lord August 27, 2015 in peace at Saint Francis hospital. She was welcomed into heaven without pain or fear. Betty was born February 28, 1935 in Pampa, Texas — the daughter of Bonnie and S.A. (Buster) Bradford. She was the big sister of her three siblings; Peggy in 1937, Pat in 1940 and Don Bradford of Tulsa in 1945. Betty grew up in Big Spring, Texas and Guymon, Oklahoma. She played the clarinet (well), and was an honor student all through her high school career. She graduated from Abilene Christian University, majoring in Medical Technology, and during her senior year met a dashing young Air Force officer, Gary Osborne. Her classic American story was just beginning. Gary and Betty married in 1956. After Gary graduated from dental school in Iowa (Betty worked to help pay tuition), the couple settled in Ardmore, OK where Gary started his new dental practice, and the young Osborne’s started raising their new family, settling on that perfect number of kids: Brenda Beth, Paul Garret, and Marsha Marie. Life in Ardmore was good to the Osborne family, carefully crafted photo albums tell a story of classic family life in small town America with Betty as the steady hub of the wheel — homemaker, nurse, cook, counselor, confidant, and loving friend. She was, in every sense of the word, “Mom.” When Gary retired the couple moved to her daughter’s hometown, Tulsa, and more importantly where the grand babies lived — and there were a lot of them. She never thought they’d leave Ardmore but Tulsa quickly became home and Betty found her stride at Park Plaza Church of Christ. She loved her church and the people there loved her back. Her family wishes to thank all of the folks at Park Plaza for being such a blessing to our mom, grandmother, and loving friend. Betty had to witness several family members pass before her. Her husband Gary died in 2004; both of her sisters, Peggy King and Pat Epley died a few years later. And in 2012 she had to endure every parent’s worst fear — outliving one of your children. Paul Osborne, her only son died in Denver, Colorado. Paul was a good man with his mothers’ heart and his father’s grit — he died bravely and well. And then there are the grandchildren, Betty’s greatest pride and joy. For as long as any of them can remember: every soccer game, football game, basketball game, t-ball, baseball, piano recital, horse events, graduations, school plays, dance recitals, tennis, cross country events, cheerleading, spelling bees and hockey games — they would look out in the crowd and see their grand mommy’s sweet, affirming smile looking back at them. She is an important part of who they are today. Betty is celebrated by her two daughters, Brenda and Marsha, who faithfully stood by their mom’s side the entire time she was in the hospital. It was both uncommon and inspiring — classic Osborne tenacity for family. Brenda is married to Paul Brothers, they are parents of Jessie Brothers Vallier, Hunter Elizabeth Brothers, John Christian Brothers, Michael Garret Brothers and Luke Shepard Peter Brothers. Marsha is married to Jim Steyer, parents of Parker James Steyer, Connor Garret Steyer, and Madison Marie Steyer. Her younger brother, Don Bradford is a practicing attorney in Tulsa and the honored executor of her estate. Betty Faye Osborne will be missed, there’s no question about that. Her selfless love and service to others were rare and a joy for anybody that crossed her path. But for those who love her most, we know her earthly story ended exactly the way she had it scripted. Just like her cookies, flawless. Her celebration service will be held at Park Plaza Church of Christ at 2:00 PM on Monday, August 31st in Tulsa. 5929 E. 51st Street, Tulsa, OK Memorial Donations may be made to the Food Bank or the Night Light Programs of Park Plaza Church of Christ — both serving the homeless of Tulsa with pure hearts and an easy smile. Park Plaza mailing address: 4930 South Sheridan, Tulsa, OK 74145 Ninde Brookside Chapel ninde.com 918-742-5556