Betty Jean Sutton

A graveside service to honor and celebrate the life of Betty Jean Sutton will be 1:00 pm Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Duncan, Oklahoma.

On June 6, 1938, Betty Jean Hall would become the first of five children born to James C. and Polly Esther (Smith) Hall. Growing up in her birth community, Betty Jean would attend schools in Winfield, Kansas. One of her earliest jobs, and one that she continued to have fond memories of, was working at the local movie theatre where she sold tickets at the window.

In 1956, Betty Jean would become a graduate of Winfield High School. Several months later, she would marry William “Bill” Sutton on Christmas Day. To that union, three sons were born: Dirk, Kent, and Thaine. Bill was employed by Pittsburg Paints and the family made numerous moves for his job. They would eventually settle in Albuquerque, New Mexico where Betty Jean would begin a career with J.C. Penny’s in 1974. Her fine personal contributions, to the company, were early recognized and propelled her professional career forward. As a result, she became one of the first female store managers for the J.C. Penny’s in Taos, N.M.. She retired after 21 years of dedicated service and was the recipient of numerous accolades and awards.

Making Duncan, Oklahoma her home in 1995, Betty Jean desired to be closer to her mother. Retirement wasn’t in store for Jean as she quickly found employment with Wal-Mart. She briefly managed the clothing department, but health concerns forced her to slow down a bit. She continued employment with Wal-Mart for numerous years where she made many friends and enjoyed being around people.

When she wasn’t at work, Betty Jean could be found gardening, buying the latest and greatest from QVC, reading, or surfing the net. She was politically savvy, loved keeping up with current events and people, was intelligent, and well-liked by those who knew and loved her.

Betty Jean passed away on Monday, September 2, 2019 in Tulsa. She was 81.

She is survived by: a son, Kent Sutton of El Paso, Texas; two-grandchildren: Tommy Sutton and Kaitlyn Klien-Sutton; three brothers: Ronald Hall (Phyllis) of Lincoln, Nebraska; Randy Hall of Winfield, Kansas; Greg Hall (Carla) of Bixby, Oklahoma; brother-in-law, Oliver Ebbeson of Concordia, Kansas. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; two sons: Thaine and Dirk; and her sister, Sue Ebbeson.

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