Bettye Burchette

Bettye Lou Burchette touched many lives in her 90 years with overwhelming kindness, joy, and unconditional love. In the eyes of her family and those who knew her, she was the definition of love. Full of faith and hope, her soft demeanor and sheer goodness were a blessing to others. She embodied all that was good, and she had a special way of easing worries and putting everything into perspective. To know Bettye was to love her, and those that did, loved her deeply. Surrounded by loved ones, she went home to be with the Lord on May 26, 2020.



Bettye was born on September 24, 1929 in Paris, TX to the late Bill and Rubye White. She spent her early years in Paris and on their family farm in Idabel, OK with her two sisters: The late Billye Green and Jane Martin. She attended Paris High School where she received many awards for academic achievement. She was also a forward on her basketball team, which at 4’11” was a great feat.



After High School graduation she left Texas and headed to Oklahoma to attend Draughon Business School in Tulsa, where she met the love of her life John “Bucket” Burchette. They quickly fell in love and were married on February 17, 1950. They were happily married for 61 years before his passing in 2011.



Their first few years of marriage were filled with travel and adventure, until they eventually settled down in Tahlequah, OK. Bettye was an active member of the First United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women, served as Cherokee County Election Board Secretary for many years, a lifetime member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and a member of the Cherokee County Democratic Women’s Club. Supporting others with her generosity, warm heart, and thoughtfulness was an important part of her life, but nothing compared to her love of being a wife, mother, and grandmother. You could always find her in the kitchen whipping up a delicious treat with a smile on her face. A smile that was full of happiness and as sweet as all her desserts.



Bettye is survived by her loving family which includes her son John and wife Debbie of Springdale, AR, daughter, Mary Jane (Teensie) and husband Tom Eckert of Tahlequah, OK, daughter Laura (Nubbie) Robertson of Broken Arrow, OK;

six grandchildren: JJ and wife Amanda Eckert, Jenny Eckert, Lauren and husband Mark Anderson, Sarah and Husband Jason Fears, Jace and wife Caitie-Beth Robertson and Cole Robertson; and 12 great grandchildren: Abby, Mak, and Eli Eckert. Ty, Brooke, and Laura Kate Anderson. Jackson, Scarlett and Vivian Fears. Oliver, Catherine and Ava Robertson. Bettye is also survived by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Erwin and Sue Burchette of Claremore, OK, extended family, and many friends.



We celebrate the life of Bettye Lou White Burchette and the gift of love she so generously gave. Blessed are those who knew her. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Tahlequah.