Laura Lee Betts

Laura Lee (Wood) Betts, best known as Laura Jean, was born June 17, 1955, to James William and Irene Catherine (Kohler) Wood, in Denison, Texas. Having been raised in a military family, Laura spent many of her school years in Germany before the family moved to Texas where she graduated high school and began her career in retail. Laura was the first female store manager of what was then Winn’s Variety Stores/Crafts Etc. It was during this time she found the love of her life, Randy Betts. They fell in love instantly and officially tied the knot July 7, 1997, in a tiny Justice of the Peace office. In 2013, they moved to their forever home in Oklahoma City, where they enjoyed a simple life.

Laura loved to listen to music, mainly 80’s and 90’s but she also enjoyed listening to Sheryl Crow, Journey, Bon Jovi, and it was a known fact that if she was playing Tom Petty in the house that it was time to clean. She loved to cook and try out different recipes on Randy, various family members and friends. Her famous German-style liver knaeflies at Thanksgiving and Christmas were always a hit (IYKYK)! Her favorite time of year was Christmas – she loved Christmas time and the house was always incredibly decorated.

A perfect day for Laura would be a clear blue sky on a warm day. She loved being outside, walking nature trails, the beach, or even something as simple as being in her garden or feeding the geese, turkeys and deer that came along. And how she loved to fish – the bigger the fish, the bigger the smile. She loved to laugh and have a good time, laughing at silly things, funny expressions, or Randy taking pictures or videos of her being silly.

Laura wanted to lead by example, and in so doing, she showed others how to be a strong fearless person; most of all someone that was loving and caring to others. She would want to be remembered as someone who was very caring and loved life. Though Laura has passed away to be with her Lord and Savior, she will be cherished through the love and memories created by her friends and loved ones.

Laura is preceded in death by her parents James William and Irene Catherine; brother, James Michael; sister-in-law, Theresa, and her fur baby Joshua who was very dear to her.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of twenty-seven years, Randy; sisters, Donna Marie (Steven) and Cindy; step-sisters, Barbara Ann, Connie Sue (Paul) and Donna Marie (David); brother-in-law, JW; sisters-in-law, Jan (John) and Shari (Scott), and oodles of nieces and nephews, all very much loved.

The family would like to thank all the medical professionals and caregivers who were involved in her care over the years. Many thanks and blessings to all the prayer warriors here in Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Kentucky, and beyond - thank you all for your prayers - we love you.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Laura Lee Betts to the American

Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org.

“I will always be thankful for our time together, we had twenty-seven amazing years of laughter and adventure. I will miss you, my best friend, you never let me down. Love you forever, Randy.”