Debbie Ruth (Goodrich) Betts

By | October 3, 2019

Debbie Ruth (Goodrich) Betts passed away Sept. 30, 2019 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in Lakeland, Florida.

Debbie, daughter of the late Wilbert and Flora (Skeans) Goodrich, was born April 7, 1958 in Wellston, Ohio. Debbie was the fourth child for Wilbert and Flora. She brought much joy and love to her siblings — brother, Dwight Eugene and sisters, Connie Lou and Christine Mae. Debbie was a happy, joyful child and was loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Debbie married the love of her life, Franklin Wilson Betts on Nov. 22, 1974. On Sept. 24, 1975, Debbie and Frank were blessed with their only child, a son, Doug Allen Betts. Debbie, Frank, and Doug made their home in McArthur, Ohio for many years. Debbie was employed at Franklin Valley Golf Course in Jackson, Ohio for 10 years. Debbie enjoyed her years of service to the golf course and its patrons. In January of 2017, Debbie, Frank, and Doug moved to Lakeland, Florida.

Debbie accepted the Lord, Jesus Christ, as her Savior at an early age. In January 2013, Debbie rededicated her life to the Lord. She remained faithful to Him through her home going. Before moving to Lakeland, Florida, Debbie attended 327 Holiness Church in Ray, Ohio. She loved her Christian family and enjoyed being a part the congregation there. After moving to Lakeland, Florida, she attended Bethany Freewill Baptist Church, a place she dearly loved.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents: Wilbert Goodrich and Flora (Skeans) Goodrich.

Her influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew and loved her. Debbie’s life will forever be cherished in the memories of her family and friends: Husband – Franklin Betts; son – Doug Betts; brother – Dwight (Carol) Skeans; sister – Connie (John – deceased) Kisor; and sister – Christine Bronson, all of Lakeland, Florida; nine nieces and nephews, 22 great-nieces and nephews, numerous great-great-nieces and nephews, and three grandpups (grandchildren). 

Also surviving are sister-in-law – Donna (Jim) Coredell, Columbus, Ohio; sister-in-law – Joyce (Ray) Farmer, South Bloomingville, Ohio; brother-in-law – Mark (Pam) Betts, McArthur, Ohio; sister-in-law – Lisa (Glenn) Winter, Columbus, Ohio; brother-in-law – and Kevin (deceased) (Sharon) Betts, New Plymouth, Ohio.

Visitation will be held Friday, Oct. 4, 2019 from 1 to 2 p.m. at Bethany Freewill Baptist Church, 2905 Iowa Road, Lakeland, FL 33801; with the funeral service following at 2 p.m. The service will be officiated by her brother and Pastor, Rev. Dwight Skeans.