Elizabeth Ann "Betty" Luetkemeyer

Elizabeth Ann Luetkemeyer, known as “Betty” to her friends and “Aunt Betty” to her many Luetkemeyer cousins, passed away peacefully Aug 21, 2023 at the age of 91.

Betty was born on April 5, 1932 at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Oklahoma City to Aloysius “Pete” and Clara O’Meara. She graduated from John Carroll High School in 1950 and St. Anthony’s School of Nursing in 1953.

On Feb. 27th, 1957 Betty married Joseph Emil Luetkemeyer and her life changed forever. They were married at Our Lady’s Cathedral in Oklahoma City. She soon moved from Oklahoma City to the small town of Okeene, where she would live for more than 50 years.

Betty was a nurse at Okeene Hospital for 57 years, where she touched countless lives through her compassion and dedication. Betty forged many lifelong friendships with the doctors and nurses at the hospital, for which she was eternally grateful. She also took on a second full-time job as a farmer’s wife, a vocation known for its long hours, stress, and an endless list of chores and suppers delivered to hungry farmhands. She loved it and seemed to be perfectly suited for the role.

Somehow, Betty and Joe also raised seven happy children – filling their home with laughter and love, and a lot of noise. In her later years, Betty’s happiest times were just sitting with her family to talk, reminisce and laugh.

She was a devoted member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Okeene and was grounded in her faith for her entire life. She was preceded in death by her husband Joe, her sister Mary and her grandson Casey.

She is survived by her sister Dottie, and seven children: Greg of Elk City, Jan of McCloud, Ken and his wife Suzie of Yukon, Tom and his wife Teresa of Weatherford, Mark and his wife Anita of Enid, David of Stillwater and Jim and his wife Megan of Washington, D.C.

She is survived by 11 grandchildren. Angel Bierig, Melissa Strange, Chris Strange, Jeffrey Strange, Gregory Strange, Jacob, Russell Andrew, Cole, Avery, Joseph and Logan.

She is survived by 15 great-grandchildren: Ashlee Burger, Destiny Welch, Arcie Bierig, Ryleigh Bierig, Tavie Bierig, Lexi Reyes, Joseph Warren, Kanyen Dewitt, Gemma Dewitt, Jordan Truitt, Caitlyn Truitt, Briana Browning, Natalie Kapuchuck, Emma Strange and Uriah Strange.

She is survived by four great-great-grandchildren: Jason Perkins, Emberlin Bishop, Elisia Capin and Willow Updegraff.

Funeral services for Betty will be held on Friday, Aug. 25 at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Okeene with Fr. Scott Boeckman officiating. Burial will follow in the Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. Wilkinson Mortuary of Okeene in charge of arrangements.

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