Betty J. Johnson, 72

Betty Johnson

Wells – Betty Jean Johnson was born on May 4, 1946 to her parents, Chris and Thora (Madson) Peterson of rural Freeborn, and graduated high school there in 1964. Betty was married to Vern Johnson and later divorced. She was blessed by two wonderful children, Mary and Paul, and resided in Wells.

She fulfilled one of her dreams of college and earned her degree in 1996 in Family and Consumer Sciences and went on to work as a parent educator in Wells, Kiester and Minnesota Lake for eight years. Betty loved people and showed her love and compassion for them as she cared for many people in their homes. She owned and operated “Second Chances” in Wells with her daughter Mary for 12 years. Which followed by a move to Pihls Park, where her daughter was caretaker until earlier this year. She loved flowers and working outdoors. Planting and tending to them was a joy along with creating seating areas and decorating the bathrooms and throughout the park for all to enjoy nature and peace. Along with meeting travelers from throughout the US and more.

June of 2017 she was diagnosed with aggressive terminal metastatic breast cancer which spread to her bones putting three tumors on her spine. She had major spine surgery resulting in nerve damage and months of rehabilitation to regain limited walking, but primarily using a wheelchair. She then moved to Senior Towers apartments in Albert lea. She felt like she had a second chance at life. Throughout her journey she lived life to the fullest loving each person she met. Betty was known for giving of herself and for giving the best hugs around.

Betty passed away peacefully on May 25, 2018. She was preceded in death by her parents and her son Paul, and is leaving behind her daughter Mary, her “second son” Mike, and many wonderful family members and friends.

Pastors Dennis and Jane Timmerman will be presiding over Betty’s celebration of life service which will be held at Schoff Park in Albert Lea, Hwy. 13 and Elmira, on June 9 , 2018 at 10 a.m.

Due to limited seating please bring a lawn chair along with your great memories of Betty.

In lieu of flowers please consider a monetary gift to help cover related expenses to Betty’s care during her illness.

Memorial cards could also be sent to Mary’s new mailing address of 1513 Louis St., Albert Lea, MN 56007