Barbara Eloise Christie

Barbara Eloise Christie, of Oklahoma City, passed away February 3, 2022 at the age of 90. Barbara was the second of 6 daughters born to William Groves Ayers and Minnie Barbara Ayers (Spencer) and lived in Peoria, Illinois until joining the Air Force.

Barbara was married to Francis (Frank) Harold Christie, Jr. (deceased, August 30, 2009) on December 15, 1950 when they were both in the United States Air Force. Barbara is survived by her son, Wayne Francis Christie, her daughter, Barbara Christine Christie-Pope (Richard Pope) and 6 granddaughters. Barbara and Frank lived all over the United States including Illinois, Texas, Washington, and Oklahoma. In addition, they were stationed in Germany. However, their fondest memories are of their years in Hawaii. Frank’s identical twin brother, Albert Claire Christie, his wife Louise Christie, and their sons Doug and David were always posted with Frank and Barbara except for their last post to Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma.

Barbara joined the military as a Women in the Air Force (WAF) when she graduated from high school in 1949 and was very proud of being a veteran. Her first job as a WAF was as a key-punch operator. After her honorable discharge, she continued to work as a data-entry operator at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, and at Tinker AFB in Oklahoma.

Barbara loved cooking (particular Asian), flowers, and her lovely Pomeranians. Before she lost her home in the 1999 Oklahoma tornado, she had a large greenhouse devoted to orchids. Her other passion was crocheting and spent many hours crocheting over a hundred vintage dresses to fit fashion dolls including wedding gowns, gowns for every season, and a magnificent fully beaded 1903 Paris Opera Gown complete with parasol, purse, shoes and feathered hat. Her hands were always busy.

The family would like to especially thank her sister, Betty Bessler for always being there when she wanted to talk, and her lovely friend, Karla Trude for being her companion and care-giver for many years.

Barbara will be buried at Sunny Lane Cemetery in Del City, Oklahoma, where she will join her loving husband, Frank. In lieu of a funeral service, donations and flowers, a celebration of life will be held sometime this spring. The family requests that you remember Barbara fondly and join us this spring.