Obituary of Betty Johnson

Elizabeth Lauraine Johnson of Congress, SK passed away on December 27, 2013, at the age of 90 years. Betty was born on March 6, 1923, to Earl and Ada (nee Rosa) Banbury on the family farm south west of Gravelbourg, SK. She attended Bateman School for nine years, the Convent in Gravelbourg for grades 9 and 10, and completed her grade 12 back in Bateman. Upon graduation Betty was too young to go to Normal School, so she worked for a neighbour for one year. After less than one year of training Betty was asked to leave early and begin teaching, as there was a shortage of teachers due to war recruitments. She began teaching all grades and subjects at the rural school of Airlie, 5 miles east of Congress. When Arvid Johnson was sent to the school to deliver a message to Betty, it was love at first sight. Arvid and Betty were married on May 26, 1945 at the Zion United Church in Moose Jaw. They lived at the teacherage until January, 1946, when they moved to the Millen’s to begin farming. Betty and Arvid farmed together for 64 years, and Betty was a substitute teacher until the school closed in 1966. In the mid 1950s, Betty was baptised and the family activities began to centre around church activities. Betty’s zeal for learning and teaching continued, as she took one course after another at the church. She held leadership roles in the church, taught Sunday School, was a lifetime member of the Women’s Missionary Auxiliary and president, Assiniboia Women’s Aglo member and president, and on the Assiniboia Prolife board. Betty was conscientious and whatever she put her hand to do she did with all her might; she was a friend to everyone she touched. From 1970 to 1981, Betty and Arvid were house parents, and Mr. & Mrs. Fix-It at the Baptist Leadership Training School in Calgary. Once again, Betty’s gifts were invaluable. Betty was strong with her prayer, and prayed each day for her children and grandchildren. Betty was a loving wife, and excellent house keeper, cook and farm helpmate. She always had a big garden, canned, and could drive all the farm equipment. Betty was an excellent mother and she ran a tight ship. Everyone knew their boundaries and benefited from it. Betty and Arvid worked so well together, and their home was a peaceful place, full of character building hard work, curling, baseball, hockey, skating, holidays, board games, and late night movies. Betty always had time for her children and grandchildren, and would love when they would come and visit. Betty’s life was always centred around family, and they will dearly miss her. Betty is survived by her loving family, son Leonard (Jonne) Johnson; daughter Bonnie (Don) McCaslin; son Kelly (Carol) Johnson; 5 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, Monty (Kimberley) Johnson, their children Matthew, Larea and Carter; Travis (Lori) Johnson, their children Taylor, Leighton and Caleb; Darcy (Annette) McCaslin, their children Clay, Alana, Chanel; Jason (Rilene) Johnson, their children Jacob, Ethan and Peyton; Wendy (Ryan) Schaffer, their children Keegan and Austin. Predeceased by her husband Arvid Johnson (2008); grandson Michael McCalsin; parents Earl and Ada Banbury; and brother Peter Banbury. A Funeral Service celebrating the life and faith of Betty was held on Tuesday, December 31, 2013, at 10:00 a.m., at Piche-Hawkins-Grondin Funeral Chapel, Assiniboia, SK. Welcome and closing prayer were shared by Monty Johnson. Scripture was read by Pastor Terry Severson. The eulogy was shared by Kelly Johnson. Tribute and message was given by Pastor Travis Johnson. Music was shared by Keith and Lorna Putman. Pallbearers were Taylor Johnson, Leighton Johnson, Caleb Johnson, Matthew Johnson, Carter Johnson and Jacob Johnson. Ushers were Bernie Kuckartz, Jim Wittal and Gerry Bergeron. Interment took place at Sunset Cemetery in Moose Jaw, SK on Friday, January 3, 2013. Memorial donations in memory of Betty to the Ross-Payant Nursing Home, Box 1120, Assiniboia, SK S0H 0B0, were greatly appreciated. Online condolences can be shared at www.pichehawkinsgrondinfuneralchapels.ca. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Piche-Hawkins-Grondin Funeral Chapels, Assiniboia & Gravelbourg