Bette Finese (Ames) Binning, peacefully went to be with the Lord on April 14, 2011. At the time of her death, she was surrounded by her family and a close friend at Mercy Hospital. Bette grew up in Brandon, Manitoba, the youngest of five children. She attended Brandon College. Gene Binning, Bette's beloved husband of almost 60 years, met on a double date in Denver. They were married six months later on May 3,1952. Bette's three children were born in Denver. Gene and Bette moved to Oklahoma City in 1957. Bette became involved with swimming as a result of her children's participation in Kerr McGee Swim Club. She was the National Director of Swimming Records for nine years, a member of the US Olympic Committee from 1972 to 1980, and certified world swimming records keeper for FINA, the international sport governing body. She was the first female U.S. official to be elected to officiate at the Olympics for any sport governed by the AAU. She officiated at several Pan Am Games and the Montreal Olympics. Bette's involvement while serving on the Olympic Committees was always centered on "what was best and fair for the athlete". In this endevour, Bette introduced legislation to the governing body which always passed. Bette retired from the swimming officiating duties in 1980 to spend more time with Gene and her growing family. She became an avid tennis and golf player, winning many local and state championships. Bette developed many dear friendships through her golf and tennis years at Quail Creek golf and country club. She loved traveling the world with Gene and skiing in Vail with family and friends.
Bette was preceded in death by her parents: Henry Josiah Ames and Beatrice Victoria (Harrop) Ames, sister: Dorothy Ames Carlyle, brother: Victor Henry Ames. She is survived by her loving husband; Gene H. Binning, three children; Dr. Bart Binning, daughter, Barbara Binning Chenier and her husband Mark, and Brad Binning and his wife, Mary Louise, and her father, Bill Wood. She has delighted in the lives of her six grandchildren; Dr. Michael Chenier and his wife Cameron Hughes, Megan Chenier Hutchens and her husband Lee, Mason Chenier, Kelly Binning, Ford Binning and Mary Ilene Binning. She is also survived by sister Marguerite Doff of Toronto, Canada and brother Willard (Shad) Ames of Edmonton, Alberta.
A memorial service celebrating Bette's life will be held on Monday, April 18 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4400 North Shartel at 2:00 PM. Memorials . may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church or The Urban Mission.
We are indebted to her compassionate care givers, Kalynn Williams, Fawn Arnett, Alesha Ramirez and Rhoda Akande. Bette will be greatly missed and remembered for her loving devotion to her husband, family and friends, her athletic ablitity, her gift of hospitality, and her beautiful smile.
Arrangements under the direction of Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors, Oklahoma City, OK.
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