Betty Ruth (Rutledge) Jackson

Betty Ruth Jackson, 90, passed into eternity on August 21, 2024. Betty was born on October 30, 1933, in Gilmer, Upshur County, Texas, to Oliver and Viola Goolsby Rutledge. She grew up in Gilmer until the Bomber Plant, now Lockheed Martin, opened, and her parents moved the family to Fort Worth, and eventually settled in White Settlement. Betty met Ernest Jackson at the "Red Bricks," where the bomber families lived, and they married when she was 15 and he was 18. Their marriage produced two children, Ron Jackson and Connie Jackson Allen. Betty and Ernie had been married 66 years at the time of his passing in April 2015 (and they said it wouldn't last!)
Ernie and Betty lived in Richland Hills for many years before moving to the farm in Joshua in 1963. They were the ultimate hosts through the years for family reunions, church gatherings, and various friends.
Betty was a proud member of the Joshua Chapter of Order of Eastern Star for many years, where she held numerous positions. She eventually progressed to become Worthy Matron, and she held that title for many years.
After her retirement from bookkeeping, Betty crocheted afghans for family members and enjoyed cooking for the family. They also enjoyed their many weekends and vacations spent at their lake house at Palo Pinto Lake.
Betty was very involved in various ministries at Lane Prairie Baptist Church for the past 20+ years, including Homebound Ministries, choir, and Sunday School. Previously they had been members of First Baptist Church of Joshua (now Northpointe Church) and were deeply involved there as well.
Ernie and Betty loved southern gospel music and frequently sang duets together. They also formed quartets with various friends and blessed the church with their music ministry. Senior Sing-Along subsequently started at Lane Prairie Baptist, where senior citizens gathered monthly to sing and enjoy a potluck meal. Seniors from neighboring churches even joined the monthly gathering.
Betty is survived by her daughter Connie Allen; grandchildren Angie Allen (Matt Wilkin), Krista Jackson Childress (Tim), Amber Allen, Marci Jackson Falvey (Joe), and Bryan Jackson (Robbi); great-grandchildren Bradley Ritz (Joey), Jaycee Ritz, Lily Childress, Emma Wilkin, and Lincoln Childress; Rowan Jackson and Barrett Jackson; and great-great granddaughter Sage Ritz; sister Carol Townley and brother Jerry Rutledge; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Preceding her in death are her husband Ernest Jackson, son Dr. Ronald Jackson, sisters Mary Jane Pennington and JoAnn Rutledge; and brothers Dean Rutledge and Keith Rutledge.
Special thanks to Wings Over Texas Hospice, especially nurse Stephanie, and the entire staff of Cleburne Court (Wren Place) Assisted Living Facility. They were all extremely caring and compassionate during her residency and short illness there.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Senior Ministry at Lane Prairie Baptist Church or to a charity of your choice.