Betty Jean Johnson

1938 - 2024

Betty Jean Johnson
Born: May 16, 1938 in Sterling, IL
Died: March 18, 2024 in Pahrump, NV
Betty Jean Johnson, age 85, of Pahrump, Nevada, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 18, 2024. She was born on May 16, 1938, in Sterling, Illinois, the daughter of Virgil and Doris (Marshall) Gray.
Betty was united in marriage to Arnold Johnson on July 24, 1979. Arnie & Betty owned and operated Arnie's Happy Spot in Deer Grove, Illinois for 32 years where they took great pride in not only their delicious food, but great service to their customers. Betty particularly enjoyed catering and decorating for wedding receptions, as well as hosting popular country music performers for many years in their ballroom. All of the staff at the Happy Spot meant very much to Betty and she established many close friendships that lasted throughout the remainder of her life. Arnie & Betty retired in 1999 and traveled full-time in an RV for 12 years where they enjoyed caravanning with their Dam Bounders RV group across the country. In 2011, they made their permanent residence in Pahrump, Nevada where Betty became very involved with special events and celebrations at the Desert Green clubhouse. She made many friends in Pahrump that she treasured throughout her community and Pahrump Community Church. Betty was also very involved with the Nevada chapter of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), serving as Treasurer for 4 years and most recently as an officer on the Literacy committee. She was presented with the DAR Rose award in 2019 in recognition of her time and dedication to the organization.
Betty is survived by her husband, Arnie, 4 children, Larry (Beda) Walzer, Beth (Curt Lokken) Mitchell, Becky (Randy) Traub and Michael (Marina) Walzer, 1 stepdaughter, Karen Vanhorn, and 2 stepsons who preceded her in death, Aaron (Sandy) Johnson and Arny Joe Johnson, and has several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great, great grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Memorials may be contributed to your local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in your area.
"In life, we loved you dearly, in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place, no one else will ever fill."