Betty Ruth Oldham

A Funeral Mass to celebrate the life of Betty Ruth Oldham will be held on Friday, September 15, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, followed by burial at Woodlawn Cemetery. Prior to the Mass, a Rosary service will take place at the church at 9:30 a.m. Friends and loved ones are invited to pay their respects at the funeral home on Thursday, September 14, from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Betty Ruth Oldham peacefully passed away in the comfort of her home on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at the age of 91.
Betty was born on June 17, 1932, in Buffalo, Oklahoma, to her parents Halbert and Nadean (Stibbens) Brown. She received her education in Buffalo and graduated with the Class of 1950. Following her graduation, Betty pursued further education at St. John's Nursing School, where she earned her RN diploma in 1953. On October 9, 1954, Betty embarked on a new journey as she married Kenneth Maynard Oldham. The couple initially resided in Tulsa before relocating to Stillwater. Tulsa later became their home again for a period before they settled in Claremore in 1967.
Betty commenced a remarkable career as a nurse at St. John's Hospital in Tulsa. However, her dedication to her family was paramount, leading her to leave St. John's Hospital in 1962 to focus on caring for her loved ones. Later, in 1987, she joined Claremore Hospital and faithfully served there until her retirement in 2004. Her unwavering commitment earned her the title of "Employee of the Year" at Claremore Hospital in 1996.
Known for her boundless compassion, Betty's caring nature extended beyond her professional life. She continued to touch lives by visiting ladies in nursing homes, offering manicures to brighten their spirits. Betty took immense pride in her yard, meticulously tending to it by mowing and weeding, even into her eighties.  She served at the hospital as a volunteer, she made sure there were up-to-date magazines in the hospital's waiting areas, such as the ER and outpatient surgery.   Above all, she found her greatest joy in the company of her family and created memorable moments during holidays and special occasions. Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and she cherished every moment spent with them.
Betty's memory will forever live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She is survived by her beloved children: Edward Stephen Oldham and wife Caroline of Midlothian, Texas, Paula Sue Watson, Mary Elizabeth O'Dell, and Kenneth Hal Oldham of Claremore; her cherished grandchildren: Jonah LaMonica of Midland, Texas, Keisha Schimke and husband Henry also of Midland, Texas, Ashley Oldham of Waco, Texas, Christian Oldham and wife Haley of Tucson, Arizona, Victoria Lauser and husband Chris of Claremore, Blake Watson of Midland, Texas and fiancée Danah Berry of Watauga, Texas, Amber Leuellen and husband Larry of Claremore, and Amy O'Dell of Tulsa; her adored great-grandchildren: Ruby, Violet, Merigold, Joseph, Christopher, Rosemary, Collin, Scarlett, Ashley, Whitney, Avery, Kenley, Tyler, and Jordan. She is also survived by her siblings: John William Brown of Ada, Oklahoma, Victor Franklin Brown of Wichita, Kansas, and Hattie Ellen Stein of Wright, Kansas; and son-in-law Michael LaMonica.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Kenneth Maynard Oldham, her daughter Madolyn Carole LaMonica, her great grandchildren Anthony and Poppy, her son-in-law Buddy Watson, and her siblings Halbert Thomas Brown and Patrick Warren Brown.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Child Advocates of Northeastern Oklahoma in Betty Oldham's name.  Through website at, www.casaneok.org, or by check, mail to CASA, 1222 North Florence Avenue, Suite A, Claremore, Oklahoma 74017.