Betty Cruzan

Betty Jean Cruzan, born to Harold and Dorothy Trent on August 21, 1939, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2025, at Texas Specialty Hospital in Amarillo, Texas.  To her nursing community, she was known as BJ; to her patients, she was Dr. Betty; her husband called her Redhead; and her grandchildren affectionately referred to her as BB. But to Carla, Steve, and Lisa, she was Mom.

Betty attended Unity schools and transferred to Guymon before receiving her diploma from Guymon High School in 1957. Following her high school graduation, Betty set her sights on nursing school where she quickly and effortlessly completed her degree in Registered Nursing.

She was a woman who wore as many hats as she had names, but the one she wore most proudly was that of an RN. She graduated from Northwest Texas Hospital nursing school in 1959 and went on to win nurse of the year award on multiple occasions. She worked for Dr. Lowrey, Dr. Halford, Dr. McMurry and Dr. Bentley.  Betty lived a fulfilling and rich life which included her enormous sense of care for others, her love of her family, and her love of laughter especially when her family was together.

On January 21, 1962, Betty was united in marriage to Melvin Cruzan. She and Melvin lived briefly on base in Killeen, Texas, where they started their family. Betty’s roots were always firmly planted in Guymon. She and Melvin eventually moved back to the Oklahoma panhandle.

Betty left an unforgettable impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She and Melvin were constant supporters, attending every game and event for their grandchildren, always cheering them on from the sidelines. With a heart full of warmth, kindness, and integrity, Betty embodied compassion in every aspect of her life. She often showed up at events in her crisp white nurses uniform, a testament to her unwavering dedication to her work. No matter how busy life got, Betty always made time for others, often putting their needs above her own. For Betty, there was no greater joy than giving to others—she found fulfillment in selflessness, gaining more from her generosity than she ever did from receiving.

Betty’s red hair was her signature, a vibrant mark that was unmistakably hers. When her children and grandchildren were young, they would eagerly stand on their tiptoes, scanning stores or events, searching for her familiar red hair. It was more than just a physical trait—it was a reflection of her fiery spirit, full of energy and life, radiating warmth and vitality wherever she went.

She was the eldest of the three Trent sisters, alongside Lillie Green and Doris Cobb. Every Thursday Betty, Lillie, and Doris enjoyed a cherished lunch date—a tradition they maintained for many years. The tradition began with their mother, Grandma Dorothy Trent, who started the weekly gatherings where the girls and their families would come together to share a meal, laughter, and, most importantly, their lives. When Herald and Dorothy moved to “town”, Thursdays became the designated day for their meet-ups. Every grandchild, friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, and spouse was always welcome at the table. The three sisters continued this beloved tradition until their final Thursday, & Sister Day, on February 13, 2025, just days before Betty's passing.

She was a special, beautiful, and driven mother, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, and nurse—and it is these qualities, the heart and soul she poured into everything, that we will miss the most.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Harold and Dorothy Trent and three brothers-in-law, Gary Cobb, Wayne Green, and Curtis Beer.

She was the loving wife of her husband, Melvin, with whom she shared an incredible 63 years of marriage. A devoted mother to their children: daughter, Carla Hernandez and husband Martin of Guymon, Oklahoma, one son, Steve Cruzan and wife Mona of Guymon, Oklahoma and daughter, Lisa Cruzan of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Three granddaughters: Jade Cruzan of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Haven Hernandez of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Payton Newlon and husband Austin of Turpin, Oklahoma and one great-grandson son Jett Newlon of Turpin, Oklahoma.

She also leaves behind sisters, Lillie Green, Doris Cobb, her sisters-in laws, Dorothy Beer, Linda Cooper and husband, DeWayne, and one honorary brother, Bill Newman.

Visitation will be held at Henson~Novak Funeral Home on Thursday, February, 20, 2025 from 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m. with Betty's family greeting friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Friday, February 21, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at The First Christian Church of Guymon with Interment to follow at Elmhurst Cemetery.