Elizabeth Fulgham

Elizabeth Anne "Betty" Fulgham, 85, of Haskell, Okla., died Thursday, July 8, 2010, at her home.

She was born Jan. 6, 1925, in Haskell, daughter of Leonard L. and Ethel Phelps Lawson. She and Sterling Fulgham were married June 16, 1946.

Betty was a 1943 graduate of Haskell High School. She and her husband operated Haskell Hardware Store until his death in 1977.

She traveled to many parts of the world but always returned to the community she considered home. Her fondest memories were of meeting the public through the hardware store and public works department. She especially enjoyed being "Mom" to the Fulgham household when it was known as "kid-central."

Betty was also employed by numerous local businesses and by the town of Haskell for three decades. While working for the town, she served 19 years as treasurer and eight years at Haskell Public Works Authority. She also worked as a bookkeeper for Mapes Oil Co., Webb Brothers Construction and Haskell Concrete, owned by Carolyn Lopp. In addition, Betty served as pianist and organist at First Baptist Church many years, as well as teaching local students to play the piano.

Survivors include two daughters, Marlece Ebbesen and Marcia Dean and husband Charlie, all of New Braunfels, Texas; a son, Marc Fulgham and wife Rebecca of Cape Girardeau; four grandchildren, Nathan and Braden Ebbesen of Albuquerque, N.M., Jacob Dean of Salt Lake City and Rachel Martin and husband Ray of Raleigh, N.C.; a great-grandchild; and sister-in-law, Pattie Fulgham of New Braunfels.

The funeral was held July 13 at First Baptist Church in Haskell, with the Revs. Steve Lopp and Gary McKeen officiating. Interment was in Haskell Cemetery.

Dowdy Funeral Home in Haskell was in charge of arrangements.