Betty Bentsen Winn

A child of the Valley passed peacefully in her sleep the morning of Saturday the 25th of January, 2025. Betty Bentsen Winn, a Valley native, spent her life enjoying a rich cultural tapestry. She gave of herself and her homeland gave back many times over. She was born in Mission, Texas to the parents of Lloyd and Edna Ruth “Dolly” Bentsen on November 22nd, 1931. Her three older brothers, Lloyd, Donald and Kenneth, completed her family circle. She attended elementary school in Mission and graduated from McAllen High School as salutatorian and Lady of the Mirror where her children and grandson also graduated. She married Robert Daniel Winn after graduating from The University of Texas at Austin and proceeded to build a family of three children, Ellen Ruth, Robert Daniel, Jr., and Susan Elizabeth. Her faith and family were tantamount to all else. Betty gave her time to improve her community and church for her children and others. She was a Girl Scout leader, a Cub Scout leader, a Sunday School teacher, a Vacation Bible School volunteer and the leader of Acteens at First Baptist Church for many years. As her children grew older, her philanthropy and volunteerism expanded. Betty was a founder and board member of the Texas Committee for the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C. and a founder and board member of the International Museum of Arts & Science in McAllen, Texas. Betty was also instrumental in bringing the Bolshoi Ballet to McAllen whilst being involved with the McAllen Performing Arts. The Easterseals Rio Grande Valley also held a special place in her heart as a volunteer and board member. She is survived by her children Robert Daniel Winn, Jr. and Susan Winn Lowry (William David Lowry, III), grandchildren Carrie Johnson Fiorito (Ted) and William David Lowry, IV (Vanessa), and great-grandchildren William David “Liam” Lowry, V, Lilia Ruth Fiorito, and Luke Anthony Fiorito. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Lloyd and Edna “Dolly” Bentsen, her brothers and sisters-in-law Senator Lloyd Bentsen, Jr. (Beryl Ann Longino), Donald Bentsen (Nell McCarter), and Kenneth Bentsen (Mary Bates), her daughter Ellen Ruth Johnson, and former husband Robert Daniel Winn. Betty took great pride in showing people from other parts of the United States and around the world her Valley home. The burgeoning life, culture, flora and fauna never ceased to delight her and she shared that enthusiasm with multiple individuals. They all came away with an awe and new appreciation for the Southern Tip of Texas. She will be missed and forever loved. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church of McAllen, Texas on Saturday, February 22nd at three o’clock in the afternoon. Memorial contributions may be given to The Gideon's International, c/o Ray Moore, 301 Kerria Avenue, McAllen, Texas 78501 or give flowers to a loved one.

Tributes

Betty Bentsen Winn

January 25, 2025