Betty Johnson

Reba E. “Betty” Johnson, 92, of Bucyrus, died Thursday, July 7, 2016 at Fairhaven Community in Upper Sandusky.



Betty was born November 21, 1923 in Nevada, Ohio to the late Chester A. and Frieda A. (Beamer) Harris and graduated from Mt. Zion High School. She sought out a job and was hired by Robert F. Johnson who was manager at Isaly’s in Bucyrus. A courtship ensued and on October 24, 1943 they were married. From that point on, she and Bob were practically one. They raised three children, livestock such as chickens, pigs, calves and sheep, spent countless hours in their vegetable garden, and even sewed and completed crafts together until his death in 2013.



Betty was a very organized lady. She assisted in documenting the care provided for the chickens, which won awards and she kept patterns and instructions on anything she sewed. She was a member of Epworth/Bucyrus UMC where she was involved in the women’s circles and she assisted with meals and weddings. Betty served on the Board of Elections for Liberty Twp. and also served as President of the Holmes Liberty Community Club. She found peace watching the birds outside her window and she often could be found working a jigsaw puzzle or a word search.



She is survived by her three children, Richard Johnson, Marian Johnson, and Becky (Jack) Ray, all of Bucyrus; six grandchildren, Melanie Johnson, Matthew Johnson, Kristen (Ray) Cromer, Kevin Ray, Tim (Shannon) Ray and Annette (Matt) Grafmiller; seven great grandchildren, Annie and Emma Fienning, Selena Cromer, Chase, Cody, and Bailey Ray, and Abby Grafmiller; one great-great granddaughter, Adrianna Ray; one sister, Lucile A. McBride; and many nieces and nephews.



Betty was preceded in death by two brothers, Henry A. Harris and Chester P. “Junior” Harris as well as a sister, Naomi “Honie” Howard.



Her family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. Monday, July 11 at Wise Funeral Service where her funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday with Pastor Becky Smithey officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.



Memorial contributions may be given to Bucyrus UMC through the funeral home.