Betty Bernice (Rhodes) Ward

Betty Bernice Ward, a Seminole resident, passed away on Monday, April 26, 2021, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Betty was born on April 23, 1931, in Anadarko, OK to Dennis Flynn and Alma Jane (Herring) Rhodes.  

Betty was raised in Central California. Her mother was a cook for a ranch and cooked the meals for the ranch hands. This gift of cooking was passed on to Betty. No one would leave her home hungry and that is a fact! The smells of Betty’s homemade bread, fried chicken and spaghetti will be a lasting memory cherished by her family. 

Betty married Marvin Wade (deceased) in 1946 and they had 3 children. They lived in Merced and Stockton California before moving to Oklahoma. She married Harvey Scott (deceased) and they had one daughter. They lived in Modesto, California. She married Derrell Ward on November 20, 2006, in Eureka Springs, AR. 

Betty was a woman that knew her scripture well, was a leader in her church and had served as an ordained minister. Music was a very big part of Betty’s life, especially playing the accordion and piano. Betty cared deeply for the residents of nursing homes and would spend a great deal of time bringing them music and comfort. She found that it brought her cheer to brighten the resident’s day. Betty’s favorite color was pink and she loved angels.  

Betty is survived by her husband, Derrell Ward of the home; son, Steve Wade and wife, Cynthia Ann of Oklahoma City; three daughters, Brenda Streets and husband, Jerry of Seminole, OK, Kimberly Martin and husband, Adam of Modesto, CA and Sharon Moore and husband, Gordon of Cookson, OK; two brothers, Arlie Rhodes of Modesto, CA and Alvin Rhodes of Shawnee, OK; 8 grandchildren, Mark Moore, Steven Moore, Stephanie Wade-Tate and husband, James, Julie Lara and husband, Randy, Levi Wade and wife, Alexa, Billy Baldwin and wife Shay, Katie Walsh and husband, Gavin and Austin Frank and wife, Maggie; 13 great grandchildren, Nichole, Crystal, Mariah, J.T., Catalina, Cree, Kaeli, Tyler, Jason, Lyla, Simon, Abby and Kaylee; and 1 great great grandchild, Jade  

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; infant sister, Thelma Belle Rhodes; infant sister, Bernetta Fay Rhodes; sister, Darlene Latulippe; two brothers, Cletis Rhodes and Leo Rhodes and a grandson, Todd Moore.

Viewing will be Wednesday, April 28, 2021 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Thursday, April 29, 2021 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, April 30, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Maple Grove Cemetery in Seminole, OK with Pastor Roy Chappell officiating.

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