Betty Johnson

A memorial service for Betty J. Johnson, age 99, of Jefferson, was held at 2:00pm Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at First United Methodist Church in Jefferson. Rev. Heather Dorr officiated. Interment was in the Jefferson Cemetery. Following the interment, a time of visitation and refreshments took place in the Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Betty was born September 6, 1924 in Guthrie Center, Iowa. She was the daughter of Reuben Myrick and Bernice (Fisher) Myrick Starr. Betty began her primary education in Guthrie Center, Iowa and continued it when the family moved to Shabbona, Illinois. Betty graduated high school at Shabbona High School in 1942. She married Jack Murphy in 1943 and resided in Guthrie Center, Iowa. In 1954 she moved to Jefferson and lived there ever since. In 1961, Betty married Gene Johnson of Paton, Iowa. 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, Hospital Women’s Auxiliary, and the blood drive. Betty passed away October 30, 2023 in Jefferson, Iowa. 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 Murphy (Susan), and Michael Johnson (Nellie), 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, Iowa.