Services for G. Jean (Sparkman) Frye, 92, of Norman are 1:00 p.m. Friday at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel, her son, Pastor Paul Bettis will officiate. Burial will follow at New Bethel Cemetery, Byng. The family will receive friends from 5:00 -7:00 p.m. Thursday at Criswell Funeral Home.
Glarcie Jean went to be with her Lord on Monday, January 6, 2020 with her family by her side. She was born September 17, 1927. She was born in Cushing where her Dad worked on building an oil refinery. The family moved often as jobs were completed and new jobs were offered. The family lived in Mena, AR, Odessa, TX and Sheboygan, WI. She attended schools in both Sheboygan and Cushing. She stayed in touch with some of her classmates throughout her life.
She was the granddaughter of Pontotoc County settlers Charles Stringer and David Chandler. They lived in the Byng, OK area and were instrumental in constructing an orphanage and the New Bethel Cemetery.
Jean and Monroe Bettis married and together they raised three children: Paul Bettis, Nina Williams and Mike Bettis.
She was the Home Economist secretary at the OSU Extension Center in Cleveland County for county for 35 years. It was during this time she met and married Vernon J. Frye. She knew every homemaker, rancher, farmer, gardener and 4H kids. Her knowledge base was another special gift. When she retired, she was so surprised to see how many well-wishers attended.
She is survived by two children: Paul Bettis and wife Pat, Norman and Mike Bettis and wife Davina, Noble; her six grandchildren, Gary Bettis, Christy Quickle, Julie Norton, Cynthia Higgenbottom, Amy Morrow and Jesse Bettis; 13 great-grandchildren; and extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by George and Alice Sparkman, Lawton and Evelyn Sparkman, Lois and Howard Jerving, Virgina Ramsey, Monroe Bettis, Vernon J. Frye, Dean and Nina Williams.
Bearers will be Gary Bettis, Lane Bettis, Jesse Willis, Shane Quickle, Grant Quickle and Jack Higgenbottom.
Criswell Funeral Home, Ada
