Elizabeth Vann Whitted Rush

Betty was born in Rockingham, N.C. to Edwin and Caroline Whitted. She was a homemaker and a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, aunt and cousin whose legacy is one of kindness, generosity, empathy, humor and deep Christian faith.

At age 18 she married her high school sweetheart, David Lloyd Rush, then 20, while he was serving in the U.S. Air Force. The union would last more than 68 years, until her husband’s death in May 2020.

Their first child, David Jr., was born 11 months after they wed. The family grew in 1954 with the birth of their daughter, Vicky, and in 1960 with the arrival of a second son, Eddie.

As her husband’s career in radio and TV news steadily advanced, the family eventually moved from the Carolinas and settled in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C. But the home Betty loved most was Marco Island, Fla., where the couple spent most of their golden years.

Betty loved the beach, never turned down any kind of decadent dessert, and especially enjoyed being around youngsters, whom she would spoil at every opportunity.

She was fiercely proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren — quick to worry about each of them, and just as quick to brag on them.

There was almost always a family dog in the house, and Betty relished telling comical tales about them even years later.

Betty had many longtime friends, and yet new acquaintances soon became close to her because of her generous spirit.

Her years in the nation’s capital were the source of many family stories, including those of her remarkable times attending elegant White House dinners with Lloyd and meeting President Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan.

Betty is survived by her son David Jr. (Jill), daughter Vicky Harris (Dean), daughter-in-law Cindy Jo Rush, brothers-in-law Stephen Rush and Jerry Rush (Linda), five grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, four step-great-grandchildren and several nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband, son Eddie, grandson Kirk Harris, brother Bob Whitted and sister-in-law Carolyn Whitted.

A celebration of Betty’s life is scheduled at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Bermuda Village in Bermuda Run. Her ashes will be scattered in the waters off Marco Island in a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Trellis Supportive Care, http://www.trellissupport.org.

Betty’s family thanks Crystal Scott, the staffs of the Greystone and Batangas units at Bermuda Village, and the Trellis hospice team for their care and support.