Betty Ruth Williams

Betty Ruth Williams, a woman whose life was defined by quiet acts of kindness and a deep devotion to others, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on Friday, August 21, 2026. She was born May 18, 1939, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Betty was raised by her father in El Reno alongside her two brothers, Robert and Richard. She graduated from El Reno High School and attended junior college in El Reno before continuing her education at Central State and the University of Oklahoma. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and later a master’s degree in Library Science. Her love of learning, books, and children made education a natural calling. Over the years, she served as both a teacher and librarian, sharing her knowledge and encouraging countless young people along the way. Those qualities stayed with Betty throughout her entire life.

Betty was resourceful, dependable, and selfless. She had an especially tender heart for children and animals. She was generous with her time and had a remarkable ability to notice when someone needed help, often before they ever had to ask. She never wanted recognition or attention for the things she did. Betty was happiest helping quietly in the background, simply because she knew something needed to be done. Her kindness was never about receiving praise; it was simply who she was.

That same spirit of service could be seen throughout her life. Betty was a Girl Scout leader, even though camping was certainly not among her favorite activities, and she served as a Sunday school teacher and nursery worker. Whether she was teaching, leading, caring for children, or lending a hand to someone in need, Betty gave freely and wholeheartedly.

Perhaps her greatest example of strength and devotion was the life she built for her daughters, Ruth and Ann. As a single mother, Betty worked hard to raise her two girls and provide them with a loving and secure home. She approached motherhood with the same resourcefulness, determination, and selflessness that had been part of her character since childhood. Her daughters were at the heart of the life she created.

Betty was also an avid reader who could happily lose herself in a good book. She loved traveling, especially visiting national parks, and had a special fondness for roadrunners. And then there was Elvis. Betty loved Elvis Presley and even had the unforgettable opportunity to see him in concert. Naturally, a visit to Graceland was a must for a true Elvis fan. She was also a fan of The Price Is Right and had the chance to attend a taping of the show, another memorable adventure in a life filled with experiences she treasured.

Betty will be remembered not for seeking the spotlight, but for all the ways she made life better from just outside of it. She was a caregiver, educator, helper, mother, sister, aunt, and friend whose compassion showed itself in countless small and meaningful ways. Her legacy lives in the people she taught, the family she cared for, the children she encouraged, and every person who was fortunate enough to experience her quiet generosity.

Betty was preceded in death by her father, Franklin Henry Meyer; stepmother, Blanch Ruth Meyer; brothers, Robert Franklin Meyer and Richard Lee Meyer; and niece, Kelley Meyer.

She is survived by her daughters, Ruth Williams and Ann Williams of Oklahoma City; nephew, Richard E. Meyer and wife Amanda of El Reno; niece, Barbara Curry and husband David of Norman; nephew, Brent Meyer and wife Jennifer of Round Rock, Texas; nephew, Chris Cabiness and wife Sandra of Arlington, Texas; niece, Amy Persyn and husband Andrew of College Station, Texas; sister-in-law, Debbie Meyer of Bryan, Texas; as well as other family members and friends who will dearly miss her.