March 19, 2024

Betty Ilene Johnston

May 13, 2015

Betty Ilene Johnston, 91, of Baxter, died Wednesday, May 13, 2015, at Skiff Medical Center in Newton. A visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 16 at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Baxter. A funeral service will follow the visitation at the Church and will begin at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Dan Hayton officiating. Burial will follow in Restland Cemetery in Baxter.

Betty was born April 10, 1924, to Loren and Flossie (Johnson) Gearhart in rural Newton. She attended Baxter Schools and graduated from Baxter High School in 1942. Shortly after graduation she married Donnell Johnston and the couple farmed in Laurel, Collins and Baxter. She was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ in Baxter. Betty had a great love for the Lord and her Bible, she was an avid reader and loved reading her daily devotions, spending time with her family, watching the birds, listening to music, watching the ISU Cyclones and watching all of their games on TV, and her grandchildren.

Those left to cherish her loving memories are her daughters, Linda (Chuck) Gauch of Newton, Janie (Rich) Perry of Baxter; grandchildren, Robin (Mitch) Dungan of Newton, Lisa (Chuck) Griffith of Grinnell, Cheryl (Mike) Salyers of Newton, Scott Johnston of Baxter, Steve (Joni) Johnston of Rhodes, Tim (Stacey) Perry of Bondurant, and Jade Perry of Baxter; 16 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband Donnell; son Donnie; siblings, Dorothy Kiser, Merle Gearhart, Jack Gearhart, Sally Dahlin and Carol Trogden.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Congregational United Church of Christ in Betty’s name.

Fredregill Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Betty and her family.