Date of Birth:
Monday, August 19, 1929
Date of Death:
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Age:
85 years old

M. Elizabeth “Betty” Johnson

M. Elizabeth (Betty) Johnson died January 21, 2015 at home with her family by her side.

Betty was born August 19, 1929 in Gainesville, Texas. She began primary school in Texas, but soon relocated to Pennsylvania followed by Ohio and Michigan. She always considered herself a Texan at heart. The family moved often to accommodate her father Walter W. Williams’ superintendent position with Sun Oil Pipeline Company. Betty was very proud of her father’s career opportunities and accomplishments during and following the Great Depression. Betty graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1947 in Kent, Ohio. She went on to attend Kent State University. Betty enjoyed varied and interesting office jobs.

September 5, 1958 she married Donald A. Johnson in Trenton, Michigan where Don taught school. In 1963, they moved to Rochester where Don taught and counseled for the Rochester Public Schools from 1963-1991. They raised their family in Rochester. Betty was an excellent homemaker, mother, and wife. When her children were teenagers she returned to work in various positions. Her favorite job was selling fine jewelry for Dayton’s Department Store. Betty held many interests. Betty and Don were lifelong students of Civil War History. She also enjoyed family history, traveling, and homemaking. In retirement Betty and Don enjoyed volunteering together in the Mayo Clinic Volunteer Services Program. Betty and Don were a perfect match. She was always supportive and encouraging of her family.

She is survived by a son Russell Johnson and his wife Gail Johnson of Olathe, Kansas, a daughter Jean Johnson and her husband William Twohey of rural Stewartville, and three grandchildren Samuel Johnson, Marisa Johnson, and Alex Johnson all of Olathe, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband and best friend Donald A. Johnson. She will be greatly missed.

A private memorial service will be held.