Elizabeth Anne "Betty" Kierl

Elizabeth Anne Brackett Kierl (Betty) was born in Chicopee, Kansas on January 5, 1921 to Elizabeth Moore and Pete Brackett. She and her sister Peg cared for their family dogs, chickens and the occasional visiting horse on their land next to St. Barbara's Church. Betty came from a family of talented musicians, was an accomplished dancer and teacher of ballroom, tap and ballet to women of all ages. After attending Pittsburg State she became a bookkeeper at her father's machinery supply company. Soon after, she met the love of her life T. Phil Kierl Sr. at a dance and they danced divinely together for another 62 years. While Phil was stationed on the West Coast during World War II and the Korean War, Betty efficiently and lovingly kept her young family on track. She had fond memories of making a home out of officer's quarters on several Naval bases in California and Hawaii. When they moved their family to Oklahoma City in 1957, Betty quickly became an integral part of the St. Francis of Assisi Parish and community. Betty raised her family, volunteered, baked, decorated and chauffeured sports teams during (and after) the 25 years that her 10 children attended Rosary School and Bishop McGuiness High School. Betty's generous spirit spread beyond her immediate family and extended to the entire neighborhood. For many years, in addition to cooking dinner for her 10 children, she provided dinners for four elderly neighbors. In her later years, Betty enjoyed attending daily Mass, arranging flowers, watching musicals and traveling to Lake Tahoe. She loved attending her 29 grandchildren's games, recitals, Baptisms, First Holy Communions, graduations and weddings. She delighted in holding her 20 great grandchildren and anticipated the arrival of two additional great grandchildren in the coming months. Betty set the bar very high for us in regards to faith, unconditional love of family and service to others. Following Betty's example, we are all encouraged to trust in God's plan, love each other unconditionally, put others before yourself and enjoy a scoop of ice cream to make your day a little sweeter. Betty leaves her 10 children Philip (Susan) Kierl, Mary Elizabeth (John) Latenser, Anne Murphy, Dr. Peter (Barbara) Kierl, Patricia (Mike) Milligan, Christy (Jim) Mann, Margaret Mary Kierl, Dr. Michael (Ann) Kierl, Therese (Dan) Allen and Barbara (Jim) Wheeler. She leaves 29 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and brother-in-law Ken Brock. She is preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband Phil Kierl; infant sons Peter Francis and Stephen; son-in-law Tom Murphy, sister Peg Murphy; brother-in-law Jack Murphy; sisters-in-law Genevieve Kierl, Helen (Charles) Neff, Hildred (Bob) Pierson, Kathleen Brock and great grandson J.W. Parks. The family wishes to thank Betty's longtime caregiver Mary Scott, Dr. David Karasek, the wonderful staff at St. Anthony's Hospital and Valir Hospice. An Evening Prayer Service will be held on Wednesday, August 31st at 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, September 1st at 10:00 am. Both will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church (1901 NW 18th Street, OKC, OK). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Rosary School Endowment Fund (1919 NW 18th, OKC, OK 73106) and the Oklahoma Adaptive Sports Association (PO Box 20425, OKC, OK 73156).