Elizabeth (Betty) Leah Duke Simonson, 100, passed peacefully in her sleep on May 31, 2011, at her home in Keller, TX. A long-time resident of Bartlesville, she moved to Texas in 2006 following the death of her husband of 67 years, Howard Simonson. She was also preceded in death by her only sister, Margaret McCullough, in November 2010 and brother-in-law Carl McCullough in 2002. A graveside service will be held Saturday June 4 at 10 am at Memorial Park Cemetery Mausoleum in Bartlesville. All her Dear Ones will gather for a celebration of the lives of the two sisters, Betty and Margaret, in July in Evergreen, CO. Betty was born December 23, 1910, in Meeker, OK. She graduated from Meeker High School in 1929 and from Phillips University in Enid, OK, in 1933 with a BA degree in Public School Music. She taught music in schools in Ames and Prague, OK, before coming to Bartlesville to teach at Washington School (1937-1939). She met Howard in Bartlesville and they married in 1939. They lived most of their married life in Bartlesville with the exception of a brief time in Detroit, MI, in the 1940s and in Greenville, SC, from 1966-1976. They settled in Bartlesville after Howard's retirement from Phillips Petroleum Company in 1977 and spent the next 25 years enjoying extensive travels throughout the US and to many international destinations. She was an active member of the First Christian Church in Bartlesville. She served the church in many capacities over the years, including president of CWF, deacon, choir member, Sunday school teacher, and piano accompanist to vocal groups. Betty was a fine pianist with perfect pitch. Her ability to play almost anything by ear provided many hours of entertainment for family and friends. She was always intrigued by the natural world around her and inspired her children's interests in birding and gardening. She is remembered as a loving and supportive wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend - always welcoming with a smile and a hug. She is survived by her four children and their spouses: Arthur & Elaine Simonson of Keller, TX; Susan & Bill Clem of Roswell, NM; Janice & Russell Martenson of Taos, NM; and Joyce & Steve Foster of Troy, SC. She was the beloved grandmother of four: Eric Simonson & wife Lori of Dallas, TX; Alison Clem Nixon & husband Shelby of Bedford, TX; Amy Simonson York & husband James of North Richland Hills, TX; Leslie Clem Horne & husband John of Portland, OR; and great-grandmother of Meleah and Caden York.
Published in Examiner-Enterprise from June 3 to July 3, 2011