Betty Tidwell

Betty Ruth (Brigance) Tidwell was born on April 8, 1937, in Waldron, Ark. to Luther and Ruby (Shepherd) Brigance. She passed away on March 19, 2021, in Owasso, Okla. at the age of 83.

She is survived by one son, Raymond Eddie Tidwell and companion, Sherry, of Collinsville, Okla.; one granddaughter, Loren Tidwell Craig and husband, Jason, of Tulsa, Okla.; two great-grandsons, Brody and Braxton Craig of Tulsa, Okla.; her siblings, Margaret Whiting of Rogers, Ark., Judy Jordan of Keota, Okla. and Ronnie Brigance of McAlester, Okla.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Tidwell; her parents, L.D. “Short” and Ruby Brigance; her sister, Helen Kates; and her great-grandson, Bentley Craig.

Betty grew up with four siblings, Mary Helen, Margaret Lorene, Judy Ann and Ronnie Joe. She graduated from Keota High School.

Betty married Joe Tidwell on Oct. 20, 1956, and they moved to Tulsa, Okla. where she worked in various secretarial jobs. She later would become an insurance agent and own her own successful business until she retired in May 1993. At that time, Betty and Joe moved to Bella Vista, Ark. and built a new home. Joe was involved in a terrible accident and Betty spent her time taking care of him until he passed in 2005.

Betty had to move from Bella Vista in March of 2017. Her health had declined to a point that she could no longer live alone due to Parkinson’s Disease.

She moved to Collinsville, Okla. to live with her son, Eddie, and Sherry until April of 2018. Betty moved to The Highlands Senior Living Center where she enjoyed new friends. She remained there until her passing to be with the Lord and her husband.  

Betty’s two great-grandsons were the light of her life. She cherished every visit from them.

She was exceedingly kind and soft spoken, with a heart of gold. She would help anyone who came to her. She will be severely missed by friends and family.

Graveside services were held at Stigler City Cemetery at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, with the Rev. Vernon Stone officiating. Interment was under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory of Stigler.

Pallbearers were Bud Cole, Gary Kates, Ray Jordan, Mike Latimer, Philip Morris and Brian Brooks.