Betty May Johnston

Betty May Johnston was born in Minneapolis, MN on September 27, 1921 to Donley Archie and Nannie May (Moline) Johnston. She was baptized into the Lutheran faith November 6, 1921. On May 31, 1936 she was confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in Mound, MN. Betty May attended elementary and junior high in Mound, MN. She loved school and did very well in spite of frequent absences because of asthma and rheumatic fever. She graduated with honors from Mora High School. She attended Superior State College in Superior, WI and graduated with high honors. Betty May later received her Masters in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. From early childhood she loved school and dreamed of becoming a teacher. Teaching was her life's work and she loved every day that she taught. She taught elementary school in Mora, MN for many years and in North Branch, MN for over 20 years. Betty May was very proud of her Swedish heritage. She had her kitchen decorated with many Swedish things and said a Swedish grace before all meals in her home. Growing up on a farm, she enjoyed the time the entire family spent doing chores. She continued to have an interest in agriculture after moving from the farm. At the age of seven she began a life long interest in gardening. She loved to be in the garden early in the morning. It was there she could commune with God. Like others of her family she was a history buff and loved politics. Betty May was a collector of glass baskets, bell, thimbles and antiques. She loved to read books, especially ones about history and people that made history. Knitting and quilting were other hobbies. She loved to cook and bake. From childhood she always dreamed of traveling. She traveled to Europe, Hawaii, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Alaska, Mexico, Canada and many states in the United States. For more than 30 years she was "Miss Betty" to children and adults of First Lutheran Church in Rush City. She served as leader and teacher in the Sunday school beginners department, taught Bible School and Children's Church. Betty May was very active in WELCA (then LCW), served on many state boards of the church and was often First Lutheran's delegate to conventions. Betty May was active in Rush City Women's Club, Pine City Christian Women's Club, Chisago County Historical Society North Chapter, Rush City Library Club and helped with the local blood drive. She was a member of First Lutheran Church in Rush City, MN. During the last few years when she was not well her answer to "How are you doing?" was always "I'm doing." She missed driving, reading, being active in church and other organizations and other things she enjoyed, but she remained cheerful. She was always interested in learning about her close family and nieces and nephews and in the news of the day. Because of failing health she moved to assisted living in 2006. She went to be with her Lord and Savior early in the morning on December 9, 2009. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Betty May was preceded in death by her parents, Donley Archie and Nanny May (Moline) Johnston, brothers: Glen Archie Johnston and John Lyle Johnston; sister: Violet Fay Johnston; brother-in-law: William Oliver Niskanen; sisters-in-law: Luverne Johnston and Delores Johnston; and her nephew: John Oliver Niskanen. Betty May is survived by her sister: Florence Anne Niskanen of Athens, WI; brother: Del (Charlotte) Johnston of White Bear Lake, MN; sister-in-law and care giver: Helen May Johnston of Rush City, MN; niece and care giver: Debra Anne Johnston of Rush City; nephews: Rev. Dr. Terry Lee (Lynda) Johnston of Alexis, IL, Steven (Jane) Johnston of Braham, MN, John Johnston, Donley (Lisa) Niskanen of Athens, and Rev. Blaine (Shelby) Niskanen of Manawa, WI; nieces: Lynn (Dave) Reiser of Braham, MN, Denise (Dan) Newby of St Croix Falls, WI, Lori (Brian) Johnson of Braham, Jahn Johnston of Chisago City, MN, Donara (Barry) Rudman of Forest Lake, MN, Janelle (Daniel) Bruton of Hugo, MN, Kayla (Chad) Lokken of North Branch, MN; many other relatives and friends. Funeral services were celebrated;1:30 p.m. Saturday, December 12, 2009 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rush City with the Reverend Laurie O’Shea officiating. Music was provided by Doris Swanson and the Donley Niskanen Family. The Reverend Beverly Robinson was the scripture reader for the service. Honorary casket bearers included Betty May’s nieces, nephews and their spouses. Active casket bearers were nieces and nephews Terilyn & Paul Huntington, Lynn & Dave Reiser and Donara & Barry Rudman. Interment was at the First Lutheran Cemetery in Rush City. Memorials are preferred.