BETTY R JOHNSON

May 16, 1914 - June 2, 2023

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109 YEARS ago Betty Eileen Roloff was born May 16, 1914 in Cook County, Chicago Illinois. Betty was the youngest of four children. She was born to Emily Margaret (Meinhart) Roloff and Bernard Charles Roloff. Betty had three siblings: oldest brother Bernard, Sister Edith, and brother Howard. Betty married William C. McLellan, Jr. (from Nashville, TN) at age 18 in Crown Point, Indiana April 1. 1933. Soon came her first born son, William “Bill” C. McLellan, III, October 8, 1933 in Oak Park, Illinois. Next born was Patricia “Patsy” Ann McLellan, February 17, 1935 in Oak Park, Illinois. Betty’s last born was James “Jimmy” Henry McLellan, April 10, 1936 in Oak Park, Illinois. In 1947 Betty, her husband, and children moved to South Florida. At that time Betty transferred her position with Illinois Bell to Southern Bell in Florida. Early in her career she was a telephone operator. As she progressed in her 30 year career she later became director of public relations with a company we now refer to as AT&T. Unlike most women of her era, Betty worked full-time and raised her children. She later became part owner/operator of Aquaglades Park partnering with her husband and oldest son, Bill. Aquaglades was known for its alligator wrestling, Seminole Indians selling authentic artifacts, and hundreds of different animals ranging from exotic snakes and other reptiles, numerous species of birds, monkeys, deer, otters, a Florida panther, and even an elephant! Located on the intracoastal waterway Aquaglades was frequented by tourists via land and boat! There were three wrestling shows a day seen by hundreds of tourists per day. By day Betty would work at the telephone company and by night she would stock the shelves of the gift shop and prep food and drinks for the tourists visiting the following day. Betty’s beloved brother Howard who worked at the infamous Chimpanzee Farm in Dania lead her to Florida in the 40’s and was the catalyst for the family entering the animal/tourist industry. It was a glorious time to live in South Florida. In 1970, after 37 years of marriage Bill Sr. became ill and passed away suddenly at 59 years of age. Grief-stricken, Betty pushed on and continued to work at Southern Bell as well as at Aquaglades. In 1974 Betty found happiness and companionship with Martin Johnson. They married December 30, 1974. At this point she retired from Southern Bell and parted ways with Aquaglades Park. At 60 years old Betty moved to Tampa with Marty and began a wonderful life of retirement in a country club community. She became a talented and competitive golfer and played until she was 100 years old! In 1984 Betty and Marty moved to Franklin, NC. Betty and Marty continued their wonderful country club lifestyle where she enjoyed golf and entertained friends with delicious gourmet meals always served at a table set to perfection. Betty was known for hosting lavish dinner parties. She was the life of every party. Always the best dressed and prettiest female in the room yet she could tell a joke like one of the boys leaving everyone laughing hysterically with the perfect timing of the punch line. Betty enjoyed life to the fullest with Marty. Life was not always easy for Betty but she kept a positive attitude and kept going. In 1989, Betty’s daughter Patsy passed away. Patsy was born with a form of Down’s Syndrome and required constant care. At the time of Pasty’s death Betty was 76 years old. She took loving care of her daughter for 56 years! Patsy never lived anywhere except within her mother’s home. In June 1999 Marty became ill and passed away. Betty, 85 years old, then moved back to Florida for a short 4 years. During this time she enjoyed playing golf at La Cita Country Club. It was there she met Ellie Billick and they became fast friends. The two friends traveled to Europe and played lots of golf. Over the next 20 years these two were the best of friends experiencing a fantastic friendship filled with lots of laughter and fun. Betty ended up moving back to Franklin, NC and lived there until she was 105 years old. Betty lived independently and drove her car until she was 105 years old! In 2019 Betty moved back to Florida and lived independently at the Towers of Courtenay Springs until she was 108! In October of 2023 Betty required more care and support so she moved to the Terrace at Courtenay Springs until gently passing away June 2, 2023. Betty survived two pandemics without ever contracting the illness. She never broke a bone in her life. She never caused a car accident and drove for 90 years! She laughed daily. Joked often. She believed in God. She was the truest definition of a lady from start to finish. She was not just good but GREAT at anything she set out to do. She loved to knit and crochet. She adored her parents and bragged of them often. She was passionate about reading. Betty Roloff Johnson will be dearly missed. Betty is survived by her son Jimmy McLellan, daughter-in-law Nancy McLellan, Grandchildren: Bill “Gator” & Lance McLellan, David Stutts, Debora Alderman, Great Grandchildren: Melissa & Paul Alderman, Cody Stutts,Taylor McLellan, Two Great-great grandchildren, Great Niece Barbara Kelner, Great Niece Maggie Dwyer, Nephews David & Howard “Butch” Roloff, and many other extended family members.