The wife of the founder of a beloved local restaurant has passed away.

Betty Baber was instrumental in establishing "Ron's Hamburgers and Chili" as a Tulsa tradition.

Ron and Betty Baber were married in 1960.

In 1975, Ron started his hamburger and chili business. Since that time, Ron's Hamburgers and Chili has spread to over 10 locations across Tulsa.

The couple's daughter-in-law, Delana Baber, said Betty was a loving mother, mema, and friend.

"She was protective of her family," Delana said. "They always came first."

Those values instilled into a flourishing local business can also be seen in a growing family left behind.

Delana said the couple's daughter is her bestfriend, and that the cousins are still close.

"We used to say the family that plays together stays together and it’s so true," Delana said.