[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 190 (Monday, November 10, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1053]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE LIFE OF A REMARKABLE SOUTH TEXAN, BETTY BENTSEN WINN

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                         HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 10, 2025

  Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life 
of a great South Texan, Betty Bentsen Winn, who passed away on January 
25, 2025. I include in the Record her obituary:

       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.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank Mrs. Bentsen Winn for all she has done 
for South Texas.

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