Betty Jean Johnson

December 21, 1932 - October 30, 2020

Betty Jean Johnson, 87, of Little Cedar passed away October 30th at Faith Lutheran Home in Osage. She was born at the Nissan Hospital in Osage, the daughter of Roe and Gertrude (Mosher) Rogers. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Carroll J. Johnson, her parents Roe and Gertrude Rogers of Riceville, IA, and her grandson, Chad Kesler of Colorado. Betty is survived by her three children, Janice Kay Johnson, Vail, CO, Douglas Carroll Johnson (Teresa-friend) Little Cedar, IA, and Roger Lee Johnson (Lori) Billings, MT. She has five surviving grandchildren, Brandon Kesler (Michelle) St. Louis, Mo; Bryan Johnson (Danielle) St. Ansgar, IA; Julie Hauge (Ben) Osage, IA; Nick Johnson (Toni) Huntington, AL; Kelly Hall (Jeff), Billings, MT. And 11 Great-Grandchildren. Betty graduated from Riceville High School in 1950, furthering her education at Hamilton Business College in Mason City, Iowa. She was married to Carroll on August 29th, 1951 and they lived in Mason City until Carroll was drafted into the Marines later that year. She was able to join Carroll with their young daughter as he finished his Training in Camp LeJeune, Wrightsville Beach, NC. Living near the ocean was one of Betty's favorite memories. Belonging to a Church was always important to Betty. She felt special that her father was baptized at the same time she was at their church in Riceville. One of her best memories was her Surprise 40th Wedding Anniversary party. Caught completely off guard, she was overwhelmed to be surrounded by more than a hundred friends, neighbors and family members. At the end of the day, her fondest memory was gathering around the fire that overlooked the river and watching the sun set. Belonging and community was at the at the top of her list right after her family. She loved holidays, Christmas being her favorite. She always found time to quilt and cross stitch gifts for her family and never missed an opportunity to send a thank you, a gift or a card. Being involved as much as possible with her grandchildren and great grandchildren was so important to her; watching them grow up and going to their games. If she had any regrets, it may have been that she was afraid she didn't tell her loved ones how much she loved them often enough. Nurses' Training was Betty's unrealized dream after graduating from High School; but life had other plans for her. She began her career working at the First National Bank in Mason city, during which time she met Carroll. Together, they had three children while Carroll worked and went to school in Minnesota, commuting home each weekend. She always seemed unafraid to try something new and different. She wore many hats and volunteered for most anything. Betty became well known throughout the county as "The Cooker", whether it was preparing meals for her extended family over the holidays or cooking at the church socials, Ladies Home Circle, and other special occasions. After her children were in school, she expanded into the area of baking for restaurants, experimented with working in a five and dime store with a fountain, and even though it was really hard work, she enjoyed working in a Nursing home for two years. She purchased and prepared food from a food trailer for auctions and other outdoor events. She enjoyed traveling with her friend Blondie as they delivered Winnebago RV's convoy style cross country to places like California and Alaska. She bought her own convenience store as a means of seeing more of her neighbors and friends while serving sweet rolls or sandwiches while they had coffee and chatted around the fire. One of her last careers was cooking for the children in the Head Start Program, always coming home with stories of the "darndest things that kids said". Betty also enjoyed an occasional night at a casino and even signed up to be a hostess on a gambling bus for a short while. After growing up as an only child, it was of the utmost importance that Betty be connected with people, and especially her family. Whenever it came time for us to leave, she'd sit quietly waiting until the last minute. Then came the tears she was unable to hold back. The one thing she hated most was saying "goodbye". There will be a celebration of life at a later time.