Bette Lu (Berry) Skaggs

Bette Lu (Berry) Skaggs was born on September 14th, 1946, in Westmoreland, KS to Gus and Jean Berry. She went to be with our Lord and Savior on June 23, 2024.

Bette grew up in Manhattan, KS and graduated from Manhattan High School in May of 1964. After she graduated from Crum’s Beauty College, she worked at Crum’s Beauty Salons, and became an instructor at the college until 1972.

Bette married her high school sweetheart, Bill Skaggs, July 30th, 1966. His military service moved them to Colorado for three years, afterwards they returned home to Manhattan. They had many businesses together over 58 years, including owning produce stands, Ford dealerships, cattle companies, sale barns, and a café. Together they brought three wonderful children into the world, Berry, Buffy, and Brenda. The family moved to Eureka, KS in 1977, where they purchased the Ford dealership. They were active in the community with 4-H, where Bette was a club leader. She supported her children and many others with showing livestock. She was also known as the loudest cheerleader in the bleachers. In 1991 they bought Beaver City Stockyards  and café and moved to Beaver, OK. In 2002 Bette opened the Cactus Grill, which involved the whole family. You would often find Bill greeting customers and pouring coffee or Berry grilling some tasty steaks.  The Grill quickly became the hot spot for Bette’s homemade pies, famous fried chicken, and a great steak dinner. She earned the title of “Boss” and was proud of it!

She loved making breakfast for the Duster football team and catering for many community events. She kept everyone fed even after her “retirement” from the Grill. Bette was known to be feisty and never hesitated to put you in your place, but she loved fiercely. Her love was unconditional, no matter who you were or what you had done, just as her Lord Jesus taught us.

Her family called her Mom, Grandma, Grammy, and Lu. Bette was “Mom” to more people than one can count and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her husband, Bill.

Her children: Berry Skaggs and wife Sonya of Yukon, OK. Buffy Headrick and husband David of Littleton, CO. Brenda Louthan and husband Tony of Chester, OK.

Grandchildren: Gus Skaggs, Briggham Headrick and wife Annika, Hadley Skaggs, Aspen Sivage and husband Slater, Hanna Louthan, Grayson Headrick, and Easton Louthan.

Great-grandchildren: Cash Headrick, Zaylee Skaggs, Colt Headrick, and Hayes Herrera.

She was proceeded in death by her sister, Edrena Adolph of Riley, KS and great-nephew, Teygan Bluthardt of Manhattan, KS.

Bette passed from this life surrounded by her family on June 23, 2024 at the age of 77 in Beaver, Oklahoma.