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Woodward, Okla. — Betty Jo (Cockrell) Oldham Baird, 88 year old Woodward resident, died Saturday, September 12, 2009 at the Woodward Regional Hospital. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. in the First Christian Church of Woodward with the Reverend Gene Spillman officiating. Interment will follow in the Elmwood Cemetery under the direction of Billings Funeral Home of Woodward.
Betty Jo Cockrell was born June 20, 1921, to Carl Prichard and C’Ora (Smith) Cockrell at Hereford, Texas. She lived there all of her school years including the depression, dust bowl and World War II, except for two years (1930 and 31) when the family lived at Spearman, Texas where her father owned and operated the Cockrell Dry Goods Store. Betty graduated from Hereford High School in 1939. On July 16, 1939, she was united in marriage to Carl A. Oldham. They made their home in Hereford until 1945, when they moved to Canadian, Texas where Carl was employed in the Signal Department of the Santa Fe Railroad. The family was transferred to Woodward in 1948, making this their permanent home. To this union was born four children: Don Ray (who died at age 4), Conna Ann, Larry Randall (Randy) and Robert Dale (Bob).
In addition to being a mother and homemaker, Betty was active in children’s work in religious education, at the local and state level in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) schools in Texas, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado and Oklahoma. Betty served on the regional board of the Christian Churches in Oklahoma, as well as chairman of various functional committees in the local church, President of the Christian Women’s Fellowship and a ten year member of the Church’s Long Range Planning Committee for the construction of the new educational unit.
In 1959, Betty became District Manager for Field Enterprises Educational Corporation, publisher for the World Book Encyclopedia and Childcraft. . For 23 years she hired and trained teachers and others to be representatives in 15 counties in Northwest Oklahoma. She also serviced schools and libraries in these same counties. Betty took an early retirement in 1982 and was surprised with a "Red Carpet" reception held in her honor at the historical Palmer House in Chicago, Illinois. She enjoyed traveling with her husband Carl and together they visited all 50 states, all the Provinces of Canada and a trip to Spain and Africa.
When not traveling, Betty stayed busy with local activities including the Community Pantry, Pink Ladies, D.A.R., As You Like It Club, Delta Sorosis, Woodward Senior Center & Kuntry Kitchen Klunkers Band, First Christian Church, United Scottish Clans of Oklahoma, Northwest Water Garden Society, V.F.W. Auxiliary, Northwest Model Railroaders, Genealogy Society, Woodward Arts Theater , Pioneer Museum and was the Queen of the Classy Lassie’s Red Hat group.
After Carl’s death Betty remarried on November 29, 1996 to Lyle Donald "L.D." Baird in the Glass Memorial Chapel in Bella Vista, Arkansas. L.D. and Betty made their home in Woodward. They enjoyed numerous cruises and other travel by air, car and train. They enjoyed walking on the beach, the mountains, geocaching, dolls and hunting for seashells. One of Betty’s favorite quotes was "On the Road Again."
Betty is survived by her husband, L.D. Baird of the home; one daughter, Conna Ann Jones and Peter Bolhuis of Broomfield, Colorado; two sons, Randy Oldham and wife Sandra Lee, Bob Oldham and Gerry Goodpasture all of Grand Lake, Oklahoma; one sister Ann Osburn of Colorado Springs, Colorado; nine grandchildren: Marc Oldham and wife Joni, Eric Oldham and wife Gretchen, Karen Ann Jones, Lauri e Jo Davis and husband Derek, B.J. Jones and wife Brecken, Christopher Jones, Christian Oldham, Renee Howell, Travis Howell and wife Amy; two step-daughters: Sandra Doornek and husband Tom, Debra Davis and husband Lenny; two step-sons: Dennis Baird and wife Monica,Gary Baird and wife Alexandra; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren of her extended family; special friends, Brigette Baird, Cindy Oldham and Kate Morrison; other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, Don Ray Oldham and her husband Carl A. Oldham.
The family suggests memorials may be made to the First Christian Church of Woodward, the funeral home will accept the memorial contributions.
Remembrances may be shared on-line at www.billingsfuneralhomewoodward.com
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