Barbara Jean Wiggin McCaw

It was nearly forty years after the twins were adopted before there was an exchange of letters between Betty and her birth mother, Edna. After an exchange of letters, it was some time later that Betty finally did make contact with her birth mother.

Bobby was the first of the twins to make contact with their birth mother. Later, Betty also met her younger brothers and sisters and has spent time with them. Since the initial contact with this family, Betty has maintained contact with them over the years. In May 1994, Betty's birth mother, Edna Simmons celebrated her 80th birthday. In December 1996 Edna died. She was a resident at Chimney Rock Villa in Bayard, NE.

Even though Betty has made this contact with her birth family, her heart still seemed to belong to her adopted family. Yet, Betty has a great capacity of love and she has indeed shared this love with both families.

For several years Betty worked in restaurants as a waitress, (a good waitress, too)to support herself and child after she and Gallen separated. Betty has a daughter, Brenda Lauck, from a this former marriage to Gallen Lauck.

Betty married Don McCaw on 4 Nov 1978 when her daughter Brenda was nine years old. They lived for several years very happily on their 83 acre farm at Big Cabin, near Tulsa, OK. where the "famed first annual" Wiggin/Williams family reunion was held in 1987. In 1996, Betty and Don sold their farm and relocated near Vinita, OK., to a smaller home. They both love it!

Betty and Don spent lots of time not only gardening but developing their business of craft items. These include various woodworking designs, with Betty tole painting and decorating them. Fabulous crafts for the craft shows. Their lovely home is filled with "artifacts" of yesteryear. Don is the expert on the various saws that he uses to cut out craft products.

Nearly every year, to avoid the heat of Oklahoma summers, they go on a camping/fishing trip to the Rio Grande Reservoir in the Colorado mountains along with other family and friends. Recently, in 1996 Don was diagnosed as having emphysema and heart problems and unable to continue working on the farm. They sold it and moved on a place near Langley, OK.

Betty and Don have several granchildren who enjoy spending special time with their grandparents. Don also has a great grandson. Don's son Joe, who died a few years ago, had two boys: Ely and Luke. Joe also has a daughter from a previous relationship. Her name is Kala Rhea Tacet. Don's daughter Susie McAfee has two boys Jesse and Matthew.

[Return to Wiggin Family Tree]

[Go Home]