Barbara Sue Litzinger

Barbara “Sue” Betts Litzinger (91), of Tulsa, Oklahoma (formerly of Fort Smith), devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, died Monday, October 7 at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa surrounded by her loving family.

Born March 17, 1933, in Columbus, Ohio, and raised in nearby Somerset, she was the daughter of the late Omer and Lena Betts. Sue relished her small town upbringing and attributed her strong faith to the Catholic education and foundation she received at Holy Trinity School. 

Following business school in Columbus, Sue married her high school sweetheart, Richard “Dick”  Litzinger, in the summer of 1955. For over 69 years, they devoted themselves to each other and to their family of four children. Through multiple moves with Dick’s job at Whirlpool Corporation, the Litzingers eventually settled in Fort Smith in late 1969 where they raised their children and became involved in many aspects of the community.

Sue was an active member of Christ the King Catholic Church. She served as president of the Christ the King School Board and was a long-time member of the St. Edward's (Mercy) Hospital Auxiliary.

Sue’s infectious smile and personality lit up a room. She had a way of connecting with people that endeared her to others. She gave extensively from her heart and enjoyed meaningful friendships from every stage of her life. 

Sue’s family meant everything to her. She devoted herself to being a loving mother, a job she cherished and for which she was without equal. She made her children a priority, never missing a sporting event or dance recital or special occasion. In later years, she relished her role as a grandmother and doted on her nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Sue’s faith, kindness, and constant loving presence is the example by which her family will continue to live. 

Sue was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Jack and Don Betts.

She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Dick Litzinger, and their four children, Amy Litzinger Connor (Jim), Beth Litzinger Brown (Scott) and David Litzinger (Sandi), all of Tulsa, and Steve Litzinger (Kristin) of Fayetteville, Arkansas, nine grandchildren: Sarah Brown Storm (Nick), Anna Connor Brown, Stephen Brown (Becky), all of Oklahoma City, John Connor (Ali) of Tulsa, Andrew Litzinger of Dallas, Texas, Samuel Litzinger (Madeline) of Tulsa, Matthew Brown (Makayla) of Washington, D.C., William Litzinger and Grace Litzinger, both of Nashville, Tennessee, and eight great grandchildren: Emily Brown, Caroline Brown, Brooks Brown, Madeline Storm, Thomas Storm, Charlotte Storm, and Wheeler Brown, all of Oklahoma City, Ava Connor of Tulsa and many other loving family members.

The family wishes to thank the team of caregivers who cared lovingly for Sue during recent months. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to one of the following organizations, or to a charity of your choice: Good Samaritan Clinic, 1400 South Zero, Fort Smith, AR 72901 (goodsamaritanfs.com) or Christ the King Church, 1920 South Greenwood Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72901. 

The family will meet friends for Visitation from 5:30-7:00pm on Thursday, October 10 at Edward’s Funeral Home, 201 North 12th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901. A Rosary starting at 7:00pm will follow the Visitation. 

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 11 at 10:30am at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1920 South Greenwood Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72901.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Monday, October 14, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. at Montereau, Warren Chapel, 6800 South Granite Avenue, Tulsa, OK. Reception immediately following.