December 31, 1930 – February 26, 2026
Betty Louise Suiter Rhodes passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, in Okmulgee.
Betty was born to Raymond E. Suiter and Agnes Irene (Lakey) Suiter on December 31, 1930, in Kusa. Betty’s parents worked as farmworkers during the Great Depression – primarily in western Oklahoma – before settling more permanently in McIntosh County near the Tiger Mountain community. It was here where Betty later met her life’s love and future husband, Loran Rhodes. They were married on December 4, 1948, and remained married for 58 years until Loran’s passing in 2007.
Betty and Loran worked as farmers until moving to Okmulgee in 1957, where Loran began his career working for the Okmulgee Fire Department – later retiring as Fire Chief. During this period, Betty attended to her family as a homemaker while also working as a dietician for Okmulgee Public Schools and Okmulgee Memorial Hospital.
Betty is survived in death by four children: son Johnny Rhodes (Gail); daughters Linda Boyd, Sandra Davidson (Allan) and Rita Mc-Crimmon (Bill); and son-in-law Leroy Frederick.
Betty is also survived in death by seven grandchildren: John Rhodes, Jr. (Kelly), Angi Long (Craig), Russell Frederick (Bridgett), Daniel Wyrick (Jennifer), Carrie Bailey (Austin), Casey McCrimmon (Tuti) and Nicole Mc-Crimmon; eleven great grandchildren (with one great-great grandchild on the way); two siblings: sister Dorothy Richardson (Buford) and brother Ralph Suiter (Marilyn); as well as many nieces and nephews.
Betty is preceded in death by her parents; husband Loran Rhodes; daughter Lora Frederick (Leroy); sisters Patsy Suiter and Sue Ellen Suiter; and brothers Omer Suiter and Bob Suiter.
Betty was an avid church attendee, and she took pleasure in reading, gardening and music (particularly if it involved the music she herself performed and recorded). She was musically gifted, teaching herself how to skillfully play both the guitar and piano – and teaching these same talents to others – despite never learning how to read music. Betty also enjoyed “visiting” – there never existed a time when she would not make herself available for conversation and telling stories. Most importantly, Betty lived her life as a kind, loving mother and grandmother. She was both nurturing and forgiving: Put simply, Betty cared deeply for her family. Those of us who knew her were fortunate to have had her love and guidance in our lives.
A celebration of life for Betty will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Mc-Clendon-Winters Life Celebration Center.
Arrangements and cremation services have been entrusted to McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Betty’s Tribute Page at www.mcclendon- winters.com.
