Betty Lou Johnson (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Betty Lou Johnson was born July 20, 1936 in Pima, Arizona to her parents, Carl E. Phipps and Mattie Lou Geiger Phipps. She departed this earth on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 in Conway, Missouri. At the time of her passing, she was eighty-seven years, eight months and six days of age.
Betty spent her early years in Lehi, Arizona. She attended Mesa High School in Mesa, Arizona where she was a Rabbett baton twirler. Betty then met the love of her life, “her sailor”, Donald Johnson in Lehi and the two were united in marriage March 7, 1953. They later sealed their marriage for all time and eternity in the Mesa Temple on October 17, 1964.
Donald and Betty had six wonderful children, Linda, David, Randy, Kathy, Anna and Susie. Betty loved her family so much and was excited when she earned the title of grandmother and great-grandmother.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, David Johnson and Randy Johnson; a daughter, Kathy Johnson; two grandsons, Cody Beisner and David Prokopec; and three brothers, Daniel Cook, Johnny Cook and Floyd Cook.
She is survived by her loving husband, Donald; three daughters, Linda Flores and her husband Mike of Lebanon, Missouri, Anna Poundstone and her husband Jeff of Morris, Illinois and Susie Needham and her husband Yogi of Conway, Missouri; nine grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Anna Freeman of Longview, Texas and Janetta Biladeau of Grass Valley, California.
Betty was an active lifetime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She dedicated her life by serving the Lord and spreading the Gospel. She was active in leading Cub Scouts and Primary. In her spare time, she enjoyed quilting, gardening and canning her harvest from her garden.
Betty was lovingly referred to as “Betty Boop” or “Miss Betty” and she loved it. Her favorite nickname was “Nana”. In her younger years Betty worked for a radio station in Mesa, Arizona and hosted a children’s show called “Miss Betty’s Reading Time”. Betty was a longtime employee of Wal-Mart and was an advocate for children. When her daughter Kathy became ill, she joined with Phoenix Children’s Hospital to find them a new home and to help them move into it. She gave a lot of volunteer hours to the hospital, helping take care of Native American children.
She always told her family she was a model and believe it or not she really did model lingerie at home parties. Betty’s life revolved around her family and her church. She was a lady full of love, conviction and compassion. She was a fun person to be around. She was small in stature but big in personality. She treated everyone in the community as her own family and was loved by many.
Betty leaves behind a beautiful legacy and many wonderful memories for her family to cherish for years to come.
Funeral service for Betty Johnson will be Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 2 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Lebanon. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. in the church. Burial will immediately follow in Lonesome Hill Cemetery. A memorial has been established to the church and donations may be left at the funeral home.
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