(February 2, 1931 - February 25, 2025)
Betty Lou (Gibble) Whalen, 94, of Cushing, Oklahoma, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at her home in Cushing.
She was born to Earl R. Gibble and Audrey (Johnson) Gibble on February 2, 1931, in Coyle, Oklahoma. Although Betty grew up in Coyle, she attended Cushing High School, where she was honored with the title of Basketball Queen. After graduating from Cushing High School in 1948, she attended secretarial school at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. She later married Dennis W. Gaunt, with whom she had four children: Jeffery, Clifford, Mimme, and Brady.
Betty worked at Brockway Glass in Muskogee, Oklahoma, for 13 years and served as the Vice President of Gibble Oil and Gas for many years. After her first husband, Dennis Gaunt, passed away in 1971, she married Cecil C. Whalen on December 12, 1973. Together, they moved to Alaska, where they worked for Alyeska Pipeline in Fairbanks. Later, Betty and Cecil returned to Cushing, where they purchased the home known as “the house that babies built” from Dr. Martin, where they lived until her passing.
Betty had many interests throughout her lifetime. She was an avid bowler, loved playing Bridge, and enjoyed traveling.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Dennis W. Gaunt; her parents, Earl and Audrey Gibble; her sister, Earlene G. Lewis; and her brother, Eldon Gibble.
Betty is survived by her husband, Cecil C. Whalen; her children: Jeffery W. Gaunt (Linda), Clifford E. Gaunt (Linda), Mimme L. (Gaunt) Childs, and Earl Brady Gaunt; her grandchildren: Dennis Gaunt (Tracy), Nick Gaunt (Charlotte), Scott Hammer, Aaron Gaunt, Renee Ferguson (Royce), Dexter Childs (Jessica), Ryan Taylor Gaunt, and Courtney Turner; numerous greatgrandchildren; and one greatgreat- grandchild. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home. A private family service will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at www.palmermarlerfh.com.
