Betty Johnson

BRUCE CROSSING, Mich. — Betty Johnson, 89, of Bruce Crossing, died Friday, Feb. 14, 2020, at The Lighthouse at Hancock Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Betty Joyce Marie (Niemi) Johnson was born in Kearsarge (#4 Location) on Dec. 20, 1930, the daughter of William and Lempi (Seppamaki) Niemi.

On Dec. 6, 1947, she married Burton Johnson of Bruce Crossing. They moved to White Pine in 1954, and returned to Bruce Crossing in 1962, to work at the family businesses. They resided the rest of their lives in Bruce Crossing.

Betty and Burt owned Johnson Livestock and Implement. Betty was instrumental in keeping the family farm running smoothly while raising their five children. She also worked for her mother and father at the family restaurant known as Bundy’s which she later purchased and ran for several years.

Betty enjoyed gardening. She had beautiful vegetable and flower gardens, admired by many. Betty loved to read, play cards, build puzzles and play board games. She especially had fun playing Scrabble and challenging anyone to a game that stopped in to visit her. When Betty moved to The Lighthouse, she started playing Words with Friends having as many as 30 games in progress at one time with her children, grandchildren and friends.

Betty and Burt spent numerous winters in Florida, traveling across the United States several times to visit family and friends.

Betty is survived by son, Steven, Bruce Crossing, daughter, Vicki (Al) Kurtti, Bruce Crossing, son Craig (Sue), Ashburn, Virginia, and daughter, Kay (Bruce) Gibson, Bruce Crossing; 13 grandchildren, Kelly, Shannon, Brina, Danika, Rhonda, Jared, Deana, Kara, Jordan, Amber, Katrina, Davin and Tara; 16 great-grandchildren; two great-great-granddaughters; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Burton; son, Burton Brian; granddaughter, Nicole Gibson and great-grandson, Kingston; and brothers, Bernard and Clifford Niemi.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at a later date.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.