Bettie Ruth Johnson

1925 - 2016

Bettie Ruth Johnson 1925—2016
Bettie Ruth Johnson passed onto her eternal heavenly home on April 5, 2016. Born January 1925, to Mary Jane (Popham) and Richard V. Johnson in her grandmother's home in Cherry Valley, IL. At age 3, Bettie moved to Rockview Subdivision in Rockford, IL. She attended Tabor Lutheran Church, was baptized there at age 11, and remained an active member her whole life. She graduated from East High School in 1943. Bettie attended business school and worked in secretarial and accounting work at Crane Co. and the Illinois Inspection Bureau. She married Don E. Johnson on October 5, 1946, at Tabor. They had 3 children, David, Darrell and Damaris. Bettie was later employed at Sears in sales, retiring in 1985. Bettie enjoyed researching her ancestry and later traveled with Don to England and Sweden during retirement. Most of all, Bettie found her niche in service as a parent volunteer in special education, first at Freeman School and later in the early years of Barbara Olson School of Hope. There she made life-long friendships with other parents having the same heart and passion for helping children with special needs. She would say "thank you" from her heart to Barbara Olson Center of Hope and Milestone for providing educational and vocational opportunities and residential placement for the disabled in the Rockford area. She is survived by her sons, David and Darrell; daughter, Damaris (David) Sutton, all of Rockford; granddaughters, Brittan (Francois) O'Leary, Shannon and Kirsten Sutton; sister-in-law, Darlene Johnson; several cousins; a niece and nephew. Predeceased by her husband, Don in 1995. Special thanks to the great staff and care received from Morning Star Village for over 6 years. Also thanks to Heartland Hospice's care in recent months.
Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 9, 2016, in Tabor Lutheran Church, 2233 12th Ave., Rockford, with Rev. Jane McChesney officiating. Private burial in Arlington Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 1 to 1:45 p.m. prior to the service in the church. Memorial contributions can be made to Barbara Olson Center of Hope (BOCH), 3206 N. Central Ave., Rockford, IL 61101, Milestone Inc., 4060 McFarland Rd., Rockford, IL 61111 or Tabor Lutheran Church. To share a memory or online condolence, visit olsonfh.com. Arrangements by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Ltd.