Betty Lorraine Johnston

Betty Lorraine Johnston, the daughter of Marion, Sr. and Olive Baumgardner Walker, was born April 8, 1920 at her parents’ home near Brayton, Iowa and died November 22, 2011 at her home in Exira, Iowa at the age of 91 years, 7 months, and 14 days. Betty was baptized at the Exira Christian Church in Exira. She attended Exira Community Schools graduating with the High School Class of 1938. During High School, Betty played on the basketball team which played in the state tournament. Betty then taught rural schools for a short time. On April 29, 1939, she was united in marriage to Emmert S. Johnston in Maryville, Missouri. Nine children were born to this union. Betty was a wonderful mother and homemaker. Later she returned to teaching for several years. Emmert was faced with health problems so they retired from farming and purchased and operated the Brayton Tavern in Brayton, Iowa. They moved to Exira in 1985. Emmert died on January 16, 1986. Betty turned the Tavern into the Brayton Café which she operated until she sold the business when she was in her mid 80’s and retired. Betty was a member of the Exira Christian Church in Exira. She enjoyed bowling, doing crossword puzzles, was an avid reader, and enjoyed her flower garden. Betty also liked to play cards and belonged to four card clubs. Betty was preceded in death by her husband Emmert S. Johnston; her granddaughter Rachel Jensen; her parents; her sisters and brother: Dorothy and husband Dale Yoder; Lillian and husband Bruce Wedemeyer; Howard Walker; her brothers-in-law: Max Hensley and Victor Beckman. Survivors include her children: Larry and wife Darlene Johnston of Audubon, Iowa; Gary and wife Kathy Johnston; John and wife Judy Johnston all of Green Valley, Arizona; Becky and husband John S. Shaw of Winterset, Iowa; Shirley Jensen of Des Moines, Iowa; Kay and husband Jim Kjergaard of Audubon; Jim and wife Mary Johnston of Silver City, Iowa; Richard and wife Tracy Johnston of Exira, Iowa; Lorena and husband Ron Riesgaard of Delta Junction, Alaska; 20 grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren; her brothers and sister: Marion, Jr. and wife Margery Walker of Exira; Phyllis Hensley of Burnett, Texas; Virginia Beckman of Waterloo, Iowa; Forrest and wife Shirley Walker of Minden, Iowa; Kelly and wife Betty Walker of New Town Square, Pennsylvania; her sister-in-law: Marjorie Walker of Exira; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Cemetery:
Interment will be in the Exira Cemetery in Exira, Iowa.

Visitation:
The family will meet with friends Sunday afternoon at 2:00 P.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Exira, Iowa.

Service:
Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Glen Meyer on Monday, November 28, 2011, at 10:30 A.M. at the Exira Christian Church in Exira, Iowa.