Bette June Johnson

Bette Lawless Johnson, 97, passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family, January 22, 2021. She was born June 27, 1923, in Albion, MT to Paul and Florence (Shepard) Grimes. Bette often spoke about the joys and trials of growing up on their sheep ranch near Belle Fourche SD. Those memories often included adventures with her siblings and cousins, her horse "Cricket", and her years spent attending the Grimes School. She loved her teacher, who lived in the schoolhouse, and didn't attend public school until the family moved to Cashmere WA in 1937. Bette met her first husband, Dick Lawless, in Wenatchee on a weekend trip home from Seattle, where she was employed at a bomb factory. They were married on December 31, 1945 in Pateros and made their home in Brewster. Bette belonged to the Brewster Bridge Club, a bowling league, and was a Cub Scout and Bluebird leader while happily raising her children. Bette & Dick both enjoyed gathering friends for seafood feasts and special occasions. Dick owned several businesses during their 17 years together, before passing in 1962. Bette then met her second husband, Don Johnson, when he moved to Brewster for a job constructing Wells Dam, and rented an apartment from her. They were married on June 6, 1965 in Brewster, creating a blended family (his 5 with her 4) making summers always fun and extra busy! They moved to their home on the Columbia River in 1976, and it became a favorite destination for many. They moved to Elma in 1980 before returning to their home on the river in 1983. They enjoyed their motorhome adventures, whether visiting family or going cross country exploring family history along the way. Bette was passionate about genealogy, even writing her now treasured life story. Bette & Don also lived in Bellevue for 6 years, where they served as temple workers, following Don's retirement. Their next move was to East Wenatchee in 2000, where they continued enjoying their grandkids and great grandkids activities. They were married for more than 40 years before Don's passing in 2005. Bette was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. Her home was the gathering place for many different occasions, weddings, holidays, birthdays, graduations, FHE groups, reunions, etc. All were welcome and no one ever left hungry. She enjoyed gardening, especially her dahlias, ceramics, quilting, spoiling her grandkids, and traveling. Her most memorable trips were to Hawaii, Europe, and taking an Alaskan cruise. Most of all, she loved her family and we loved her. We plan to honor and celebrate her life on what would have been her 100th birthday with that dance she so looked forward to. In one of her last lucid moments she talked of the reunions that were near, and about living in heaven with her 2 husbands.....and then she laughed. It's a sound we'll all miss but never forget. Bette is survived by her children: Nancy Pizzitola of Brewster, Gerry Lawless of East Wenatchee, Carlee Lawless (Tim) of Brewster, and John Lawless (Lisa) of East Wenatchee. Bonus children also surviving her are: Dick Lawless (Dee) of East Wenatchee, Doug Johnson (Cathy) of Idaho Falls ID, Sue Montgomry (Ron) of Taylorsville UT, Steve Johnson of Central City NB, Larry Johnson (Becky) of St. George UT, and Chuck Johnson (Vickie) of Layton UT. She leaves a loving legacy of 45 grandchildren, 108 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren! She is also survived by 2 brothers, Carl Grimes, of Prosser, and Jim Grimes, of Grandview. Bette was preceded in death by 4 brothers: Tom, Gene, Bob, and Melvin, her sister, Kathy Asmussen, and both husbands. A visitation for Bette will be held at the Chapel of the Valley Funeral Home in East Wenatchee from 2:00pm to 6:00pm on Thursday, February 4, 2020. A private graveside service will be held on Friday, February 5, 2021. Bette's online tribute may be viewed at chapelofthevalleyncw.com where friends and family are welcome to express their thoughts or share a memory. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Gisela Menssen for all her loving care.

Bette June Johnson

June 27, 1923 - January 22, 2021