Memorial services for R.B. Gardenhire, 83, of Purcell will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 26, 2023 at the Iron Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. Interment, along with his wife, Betty, will be held at the Dibble Cemetery under the direction of the Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Purcell.
Mr. Gardenhire went home to be with his loved ones on August 11, 2023.
Rhines Barkley Gardenhire was born to Edward Gardenhire and Izora “Pat” Gardenhire (Lambert) on August 24, 1939 in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. He grew up in the area and attended school there, graduating with the Panther class of 1957.
On April 23, 1958 R.B. married the love of his life Betty Florine Cope, and they soon started their family. R.B. and Betty were both saved in 1973 which began a meaningful and fruitful spiritual life together. Betty sang with a gospel group called Living Will, and later with a country group called Southern Draw. He was her number one fan, never missed a show, and enjoyed hearing his wife sing and helping the band set up and tear down.
R.B. worked for Thomas concrete for over 20 years and was a master at his craft. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed watching old westerns, especially John Wayne films. R.B. loved classic cars and was a skilled shade tree mechanic. He was also a talented plumber, electrician, and builder.
R.B. built the house he and Betty called home with his own two hands, and it even withstood a tornado. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandpa who will be dearly missed.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Gardenhire; his parents, Edward and Pat Gardenhire; his twin sister and infant siblings.
R.B. is survived by his children, Lisa Gardenhire of Purcell and James Gardenhire and wife, Dawn, of Slaughterville, Okla.; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Online condolences may be made at www.wilsonlittle.com.
