Bois D'Arc, Texas - Betty Ruth Johnson Wardell of Bois D'Arc, Texas, passed away on the 21st day of September 2025 at the age of 90.

Betty (known to many as Mama Betty) was born on September 9, 1935, in Anderson County, Texas, to parents Acey Morris Johnson and Ila Marie Brasfield Johnson. She is survived by her husband of 74 years, Coy D. Wardell; their five daughters, Robbie Morris, Debbie Harper (David), Diane Nichols (Mike), Karen Gober (Greg), and Coye Morgenweck (Glen). She was blessed with eleven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. She is, also, survived by her brother, Jim Johnson; sister, Sandy Soriero (Tommy); and sister-in-law, Jeannette Johnson. She leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Morris and Marie Johnson; her brothers, Bob Johnson and Joe Johnson; and her sister-in-law, Fay Johnson.

Betty met Coy while he was tending his land located adjacent to her parents' land. They got married and lived in Fort Worth while he served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge, they returned to Bois D'Arc and remained there throughout her life. They later ran the Bois D'Arc General Store where many fond memories were made. Betty continued her education and obtained an associate degree in business from Trinity Valley Community College in Athens. She served as the business office manager of the Palestine Memorial Hospital and later became the office manager of North Carrollton Pediatric Associates in Carrollton, Texas, working alongside her daughter.

Betty's life was focused on her family. She was known for being remarkably unselfish and always putting others before herself. She was a skilled seamstress and sewed clothes and other items frequently without patterns, including formal dresses with elaborate overlays and hand beading for her daughters. For many years, she and Coy square danced with the Dogwood Squares, always dressed in coordinated attire including her shoes and his boots. Her hobbies included crocheting intricate doilies, reading, and doing sudoku. She was an exceptional cook and was known for welcoming her large family with an abundance of food and places to sleep. She was loving and kind and took care of everyone without judgment. She enjoyed being at home, taking care of her many flowers, and singing along to her favorite songs.

The family wishes to give heartfelt thanks to her caregivers for their loving support.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from five o'clock until seven o'clock in the evening on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas, 75801.

Graveside services to celebrate Betty's life will be conducted at two o'clock in the afternoon on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Liberty Cemetery, Bradford, Texas, with Greg Gunnels officiating the service. Her grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

Services for Betty Ruth Johnson Wardell are in care of Rhone Funeral Home. Please visit her online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with her family.