Obituary of Betty Jane Johns

Betty J. Johns, age 85, of Midland, Michigan passed away Monday, May 8, 2023 at Mid-Michigan hospital after a brief illness. Betty was born to the late William and Gladys Aiken and spent her early years in Highland Park, Michigan where she met Roger, her husband of 57 years.

Betty and Roger were married on October 27, 1956 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Roger was in the Army when they were first married and the two of them lived in Panama as newlyweds. She and Roger also lived in Taylor, then Royal Oak for many years, and then built a retirement home in Sugar Springs in Gladwin. They also wintered in Ocala, Florida for 10 years. Roger passed away in 2014.  In 2018 Betty made the decision to move to a senior apartment in Midland. She enjoyed her years at Washington Woods and made many new friends and acquaintances.

Betty is survived by her children, Karen Johns of Phoenix, AZ, Nancy (Dave) Cochran of New Boston, MI, Lori Johns (Barry Fitzgerald) of Lawrence, KS, and David Johns of Phoenix, AZ; granddaughter, Amanda Ripstra, of Phoenix, AZ; sister, Carol Corrigan, of Livonia, MI; many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. “Aunt Betty” was the last surviving aunt on Roger’s side of the family. In addition to Roger, she was preceded in death by her beloved grandson, Max Fitzgerald.

For many years Betty and Roger were active in the Methodist Church. They had many friendships of more than 50 years through their camping club, bowling league, and pinochle club. In Sugar Springs she enjoyed her quilting group, trivia nights, and Gadabouts group. She was very good at games and usually won! She and Roger enjoyed traveling to see family, and in 2007, they traveled to Scotland and England with their whole family to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. They spent a week in Cornwall, birthplace of her mother and Roger’s grandparents.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 25, 2023 at 2 pm at Auburn United Methodist Church, 207 S. Auburn St., Auburn, MI. All are welcome for the service and for refreshments in the fellowship hall following the service. Interment will be at a later date at Roseland Park Cemetery, Berkley, Michigan. Betty was particularly fond of helping children; any gifts in her memory may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.  To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.