Betty Jo Johnson Ross Pruett
July 18, 1928 - January 7, 2021

Betty Jo Johnson Ross Pruett, age 92, passed away on Thursday, January 7, 2021, at The Woods Nursing and Rehab in Monticello. She was born on July 18, 1928, in Pine Bluff, AR, to the late Valleau William "Hook"Johnson and Kathleen Simpson Stokes Stephens.

Betty Jo worked for Southwestern Bell Company for three years and was proud to witness the dial tone system installed in Monticello. Most of her working career was as an administrative assistant for the First United Methodist Church, Chamber of Commerce, the mayor's office, Rep. James Jordan's office, and the MEDC, all in Monticello. Betty Jo was an active member of the First United Methodist Church where she served as church treasurer, secretary of the board, a choir and circle member. Betty Jo was named Monticello's Woman of the Year in 1979 and received the Distinguished Service Award for the community in 1983. She was also a member of PEO and DAR.

In addition to her parents, Betty Jo was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Henry Lee Ross, and husband, George Pruett. Survivors include her five daughters, "The Ross Girls:" Jody Gladden (Billy), Kathy Norris, Sandy Funderburg (David), Patty Ross, and Tammy Lawson (Paul) all of Monticello; eleven grandchildren, Monica Harris (Steve), Kelly Griffin (Kevin), Meghan Amoroso, Stephen Norris, Chance Norris(Tabitha), Danny Funderburg (Jan), Jennifer Jordan (Kevin), Whitney Maggard (Jacob), Olivia Ashcraft (Andy), Amy Howard, and James Savage (Julie); twenty-six great grandchildren, and fifteen great, great grandchildren; a stepsister , Bobye Ann Bryant of Warren Arkansas.

Graveside services will be at 3:30 P.M. on Saturday, January 9 at Oakland Cemetery with the Rev. Bryan Diffee and Rev. Lori Fallon officiating.
Memorials can be made to the First United Methodist Church, 317 South Main Street, Monticello, Arkansas, 71655 or the charity of your choice.
Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.


Obituary Provided By:
Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home
943 Highway 425 North
Monticello, AR  71655
www.stephensondearman.com