Betty Jean (Yantis) Southerland |
| Posted 2026-04-12 by mhenderson |
| Bradbury Memorial Center - Lake Havasu City, Arizona - Betty Jean Southerland, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother, went peacefully to her Heavenly home on April 5, 2026 (Easter Sunday), at home in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. She was 94 years old. Betty was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on August 1, 1931, to Sidney and Marguerite Yantis. She was raised in Chattanooga with her sister, Dorothy Jane Thurman, and brother, Clarence Gregory Yantis, who preceded her in death. She met her husband, Rufus Southerland, at the age of 21, on a blind date. They married on September 16,1952, and were married for 42 happy years before Rufus passed away. Betty never remarried. During their early years together, Rufus’s career in the Navy took them to Key West, Florida, Norfolk, Virginia, and Jacksonville, Florida. They had four daughters during this time. After 20 years in the Navy, they decided to move their family across the country and settled in California. Despite living far from Chattanooga for most of her life, Betty never lost her Southern accent and loved telling others where she was from. Betty worked as a secretary for the Long Beach Unified School District for many years and was something she remembered fondly years later. After retiring, Betty and Rufus moved to Hemet, California, where they spent several years enjoying retirement and time with friends and family. Following Rufus’s passing in 1994, Betty decided to move to Laguna Woods, California, to be closer to family. She was blessed with 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren whom she loved to spend time with and always remembered to mail birthday cards every year after some had moved away. Betty was also actively involved in her long-time church, Grace Hills, which she attended every Sunday. She was loved by the entire congregation, and one of the highlights of her year was taking her grandchildren to “grandparent’s day” at church and proudly introducing them to her friends. Betty loved her home in Laguna Woods with her prized lemon tree and fountain. She remained in her home living independently until the age of 92, when she moved to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, to be close to her daughter, Cindy. She lived at Prestige Assisted Living (now Vista Pointe) where she was taken care of by excellent caregivers. Cindy stopped by daily to check on her and bring her favorite treats. The highlight of her week was attending church every Sunday. Even on her final day, she attended Easter service. Her family remembers her love of simple things: reading a good mystery book, enjoying a good movie with popcorn, butter pecan ice cream, and a “good buy” at the 99-cent store. Playing card games and tile rummy was a favorite pastime and she especially loved winning. Above all, Betty loved her family. She was at her happiest spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her daughters: Janet Morrison of Stewartsville, Missouri; Linda Southerland-Polk of Rapid City, South Dakota; Susan Hopkins of Moreno Valley, California; and Cindy Anderson of Lake Havasu City, Arizona. She is also survived by her nine grandchildren: Megan, Katie, Melissa, Brian, Heather, Austin, Spencer, Madison and Hailey and four great-grandchildren, all of whom were blessed by her love. She also has many nephews and nieces scattered throughout the country. Betty will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. After nearly 32 years apart, one can only imagine the joyful reunion. Her legacy of love, faith, and devotion to family will be remembered by all who love her. She will be deeply missed and forever loved. His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Matthew 25:21a NIV Viewing: Friday, April 17, 2026 (time to be determined) Bradbury Memorial Center 3317 SR-95, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86404 Graveside Service: Monday, April 20, 2026 at 11:30 AM Riverside National Cemetery Riverside, California Click this link to view additional details about Betty's Services, including any available live streams: https://my.gather.app/remember/betty-southerland-2026 |
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