A memorial service for Betty J. Johnson, age 99, of Jefferson, will be held Nov. 7 at First United Methodist Church, Jefferson. Interment will be in the Jefferson Cemetery.
Betty was born September 6, 1924, in Guthrie Center. She was the daughter of Reuben Myrick and Bernice (Fisher) Myrick Starr. Betty began her primary education in Guthrie Center and continued it when the family moved to Shabbona, IL. Betty graduated high school at Shabbona High School in 1942. She married Jack Murphy in 1943 and resided in Guthrie Center. In 1954 she moved to Jefferson and lived there ever since.
In 1961, Betty married Gene Johnson of Paton. She lived a full life, enjoying cooking, fishing, gardening, sewing, and traveling. Betty owned and operated a restaurant in Guthrie Center, as well as Tiny’s Café in Jefferson. Besides being a great homemaker, she also worked at Deal’s Orchard, as well as cleaning, cooking, and care-taking for many Jefferson families. She was also involved in the United Methodist Church activities, UMW Circle, Greene County Medical Center Auxiliary, and the monthly blood drive.
Betty passed away October 30, 2023, in Jefferson. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Robert Starr; son James Murphy; daughter Sandra Schreck; and grandsons Jeff Scheuerman, Curtis Scheuerman and Jamison Murphy.
Betty is survived by her sons Daniel (Susan) Murphy and Michael (Nellie) Johnson, all of Jefferson; grandchildren Stacey (Shane) Kiehlmeier, Kelly Murphy, Brandon Murphy, Cassie Schreck, Doug Scheuerman, and Charlie Scheuerman; numerous great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Services by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home and Cremation Care, Jefferson, 515-386-2171.
