Betty Ruth Johnson, age 88 of Baldwin, WI, passed away May 14, 2013 surrounded by her family at the Baldwin Area Medical Center. Betty was born July 28, 1924 in Town of Lucas, Dunn County, WI; the daughter of Glen and Myrtle (Casper) Bemis. Betty graduated from Spring Valley High School, the class of 1942. She was united in marriage on September 24, 1946 to Donald Johnson at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, WI. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Dale and Patrick. Betty worked as an office manager at Briggs Transportation from 1946 until her retirement in 1980. She was proud to be the only female in management at that time, and received a gold watch after serving 25 years with the company. She was also proud to work alongside her husband, Donald.

Betty enjoyed shopping for and collecting antiques, quilting and doing needlepoint, cooking, reading and collecting cookbooks. She made sure that each one of her grandchildren received a baby blanket for their children or future children that she made herself. She also enjoyed her time with her husband Donald, camping, fishing and antique shopping along their adventures. Betty loved and cherished her family. She relished in planning gatherings, birthday celebrations and family reunions. Also important to Betty was her faith. She had an active role at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in the Ladies Circle, Prayer Chain, Mission Work and Quilting Group. Betty touched many hearts and will be dearly missed.

Betty is survived by her son, Dale (Debbie) Johnson of Stillwater, MN; daughter-in-law, Joyce Johnson of Maple Grove, MN; grandchildren: Brian Johnson, Kristi (Shaun) Shaver, Chad (Jen) Shaffer, Chris (Gloria) Shaffer, Mellisa Johnson and Mike (Jamie) Johnson; great grandchildren: Samantha, Ashton, Shayla, Summer, Sydney, Cole and Allyonna; siblings: Ethel, Robert, Shirley, Margaret, Darla, Donald, Laurene; other relatives and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Donald; son, Patrick; siblings, Louis, Arleen and Marvin and her parents.

A visitation will take place 4:00-8:00 PM Friday, May 17, 2013 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 1010 Newton St., Baldwin, as well as one hour prior to the services at church on Saturday. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 1350 Florence St., Baldwin, with Pastor Carrie Anderson officiating. Interment will take place at Baldwin Cemetery. Pallbearers assisting with the services will be her grandsons: Brian Johnson, Shaun Shaver, Chad Shaffer, Chris Shaffer, Mike Johnson and great-grandson, Ashton Johnson. Honorary pallbearers will be granddaughters, Kristi Shaver and Mellisa Johnson.

Funeral services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin, WI. 715-684-3434