1935 - 2026
Betty Catherine McPeek, born Nov. 4, 1935, went to her eternal home on May 18, 2026. She was born in Houston, Texas, to Charles Clyde and Bengie Viola (Downs) Ballenger.
If you knew Betty, you knew the sound of her laughter; she carried with her a joy for life, friends, family and nature.
She was married for 32 years to Raymond McPeek, and they had three children while living on a farm in rural Logan County. She loved the land and farm life and could always be counted on to take lunches to the field regularly.
During those years, she particularly enjoyed card games with friends, Stoney Point school gatherings and vacation getaways with family friends, from Galveston to Yellowstone Park.
She was a member of Westway Extension Homemakers in Logan County and the Mulhall Methodist Church.
Betty loved working and, although she held several vocations over the years, she particularly enjoyed her time at the State Farm office in Perry, Oklahoma, where she built a strong community of friends.
In May 2003, Betty married her Guthrie High School Class of ’53 classmate, William “Bill” Silvers. They established a home in Guthrie, where she enjoyed the flower gardens they built, her birds and her beloved dog, “Jace.” There, they hosted many holiday gatherings for family and friends, along with fishing parties for the grandkids.
Betty is remembered for her classic, fashionable style; her love of art, including her own sketches, usually of flowers and nature; and for penning a booklet entitled “Betty’s Bouquet,” which reflected on the important things in her life and paid tribute to her friends.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Benji; and sisters, Janis Rubane and Patricia “Pat” Miller.
She leaves behind her beloved husband, William “Bill” Silvers; brother, James Ballenger and wife Cheri of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; son, Mark McPeek and wife Julie of Crescent, Oklahoma; son, Brian McPeek and wife Marla of Guthrie, Oklahoma; and daughter, Carol McPeek also of Guthrie.
Grandchildren include Mitch McPeek and wife Amy, and children Cale, Emmie, Cooper and Colbie of Guthrie; Eric McPeek and wife Coy of Guthrie; Allison Grunau and husband Nick, and children Taylor and Cade of Guthrie; and Daniel McPeek and wife Trish, and children Emery, Olivia and Evelynn of Stillwater, Oklahoma.
She is also survived by treasured bonus children, Debbie Chappell and husband Jeff of Guthrie and Vickie Lanier of Moore, Oklahoma. Bonus grandchildren include Jeffery T. Chappell; Josh Chappell and wife Sydni; Jaden Chappell and wife Sarah; Jordan Chappell Hodge and husband Brent; Jillian Chappell Schmidt and husband Dillon; Jacob Chappell and wife Madi; Dr. Willam Barrett Huffman, Beau Lanier and Baron Lanier.
She leaves behind a large extended family, including beloved nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren, who will forever treasure her memory.
Funeral services were held Friday, May 22, 2026 at Smith Memorial Chapel. Interment followed at Summit View Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home, 220 North 1st Street, Guthrie, Oklahoma 73044.
Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.smithgallo.com.
Published in the Guthrie News Leader - May 13, 2026