Betty Arene Blair

Betty Arene Blair, lovingly known as “Babe”, passed peacefully with her daughter, Britta, at her side on October 3, 2025, at the age of 79. She was born on February 8, 1946, in Muleshoe, Texas, and spent the latter half of her life in Oklahoma, where she built a life filled with love, laughter, and countless friendships. She spent the last years of her life in Tecumseh, Oklahoma, lovingly cared for by her grandson, Mikey, and his wife, Jamie.

Babe lived a life full of purpose and full of fun. Over the years, she worked as a secretary, a jailer, and later as the head of janitorial services at the University of Oklahoma. No matter what the job, she brought her trademark warmth, humor, and strong work ethic to everything she did.

A true artist at heart, Babe expressed herself through poetry, drawing, sewing and ceramics. For a time, she owned and operated her own ceramics shop—JMB Ceramics, named after her beloved grandsons, John, Mikey, and Brady. Her creativity and attention to detail touched everyone fortunate enough to see her work.

Babe’s sewing talent was extraordinary. She crafted beautiful clothing by hand, and her skill was so admired that the local fabric store would often give her material for free—on the condition that they could display her creations in their windows before she took them home. Every Halloween costume she ever made, whether for her daughter or later for her grandsons, was stitched with love and imagination. She would never have dreamed of buying one from a store; for Babe, creating something special with her own hands was a gift she delighted in giving.

An avid reader from childhood, Babe’s love of books was lifelong—so much so that one of her favorite memories was getting in trouble at school for reading a hidden novel inside her history book. She also loved to travel, exploring many countries across Europe and taking countless road trips across the United States, always with curiosity and a heart ready for adventure.

Those who knew Babe will remember her as a bright light—kind, witty, and endlessly compassionate. She had a rare gift for making people feel seen and valued; when you were with her, you always felt like the most important person in the room. She made friends wherever she went, and everyone who met her has a story about the laughter, warmth, or wisdom she shared.

Babe’s legacy is one of creativity, adventure, and love. She was brave, she was silly, she was loving, and she will always be remembered for her playful shenanigans.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her – especially by her best friend and the light of her life, her great-granddaughter, Harper Ray.

She leaves behind a family who adored her and countless friends whose lives she touched with her kindness and light. Babe’s celebration of life is to celebrate life—a reminder to live fully, love deeply, and find joy in every moment.