Betty Mae Lewis

Betty M. Lewis, 96, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025. Betty was born on July 7, 1929, in Anthony, Kansas, to Charles R. Houser and Reba Helen Houser (Carter). She was raised on a farm near Anthony, where she developed a strong work ethic, deep faith, and a lifelong commitment to helping others. She grew up with two brothers and two sisters, all of whom preceded her in death. Betty attended a country school through the eighth grade and later graduated from Anthony High School. She was raised in the Presbyterian Church, where she attended Sunday School and helped teach young children. Her faith remained an important part of her life, and she continued to support church and Bible school activities throughout the years. As a young woman, Betty planned to attend college in Edmond, Oklahoma, or business school in Wichita, Kansas. While living in Anthony, she met Vernon “Buck” Lewis, and the two were married on February 22, 1948. After their marriage, they lived for several years in Parsons, Kansas, before moving to other communities. Betty and Buck were deeply involved in civic and youth organizations. Together, they helped organize Rainbow Girls in Oswego, Kansas, and the Meadow View Falcons 4-H Club at Meadow View School in Parsons, Kansas. Betty was active in numerous organizations over the years, including Eastern Star, where she served in several chairs; White Shrine (Beta Kappa), where she served as Vice President; and Xi Gamma Zeta, where she held many leadership roles. These included Treasurer, City Council Committees member, Publicity and Scrapbook Chairman, Yardstick Chairman, Budget Chairman, and Social and Program Chairman. She also served as Social Chairman, Pledge of the Year Chairman, and participated in the selection of a Valentine Queen. Betty dedicated many years to her professional life as well. She worked for Dr. Gerard, D.D.S., in Dewey, Oklahoma, for 12 years. She later worked for Hopper Realty Company under Ramona Hopper for six years. In June 1988, she joined McAnaw & Wright Realtors as an Office Manager. The company later became McAnaw & Company and then McAnaw & Company Realtors in 2002, where she continued her work with dedication and professionalism. Throughout her life, Betty was known for her reliability, organizational skills, kindness, and willingness to serve. Whether through her church, community organizations, or professional career, she gave generously of her time and talents. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Reba Houser; her two brothers and two sisters; her beloved husband, Vernon “Buck” Lewis; her daughter, Elvera Marie Montee; her daughters-in-law, Sharon Lewis and daughter-in-law Traci Johnson. She is survived by her son Craig Lewis (Jodi); her daughters, Sandra Lewis, and Debbie Riley (Jim), son-in-law Rob Montee; and several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Betty will be remembered for her quiet strength, steady leadership, faith-filled life, and devotion to family and community. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched.

Betty Mae Lewis

July 7, 1929 - December 18, 2025