Betty Ruth Johnson

Betty Ruth Johnson, 95, of Winter Haven, passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at Good Shepherd Hospice, in Lakeland, Florida. She was born on July 18, 1931, in Concord, North Carolina. She was the youngest and last of seven children that were living.

She attended Appalachian State University in Boone North Carolina, where she met her first husband, William H. “Bill” Loftin. While married to William H. Loftin, they attended a Mayor’s convention where she met President John F. Kennedy in Hawaii and also met Lyndon B. Johnson in Washington. Betty was voted Outstanding Basketball Player in school which she was proud, and loved talking about her life on the farm where she was raised in North Carolina.

Betty later married Robert W. Johnson of Winter Haven, who was her knight in shining armor. Betty and Bob loved being on their house boat in Long Boat Key and Sanibel. Betty was married to Bob until his passing in 1989.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband Bob, her parents Aud and Nannie J. Dover, three brothers, three sisters, and son-in-law Douglas Yeck. She is survived by her three daughters, Stephanie Loftin Lynch, Sandra Loftin Milcich (Tim) and Sharon Loftin Yeck. Betty is also survived by her grandchildren, Erin Yeck Valle (Josue), Jayme Yeck Erskine (Alan), Ryan Yeck (Amy), Jennifer Lynch, Colleen Lynch Griess (Halley), 11 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her three “adopted” children, Will Loftin, Olinda Sykes and Johnny Teate.

Betty was the life of the party, was a competitive tennis player, and loved to play bridge with her friends at Valhalla, where many lasting friendships were made. She will be sorely missed.

Family will have a private internment. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Good Shepherd Hospice in Betty’s name @3470 Lakeland Hills Boulevard, Lakeland, FL 33805.