Elizabeth "Bette" Johnson

We are saddened to announce the passing of Elizabeth “Bette” Johnson, who was taken from us on December 6th, 2025 at the age of 83 years. Bette lived in her home of 50 years in Lakewood, Colorado and was tragically a victim of a home invasion that ended in her death. The family is heartbroken by this loss, but so very thankful that she knew the Lord and is now in His Presence, along with her husband Jay Johnson.

Bette was born on October 18, 1942 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Dow & Aldena Stephenson. She moved to Colorado at a young age, and grew up in the Denver area. She was an only child until her mother passed away when she was only 8 years old. Her father then remarried to Lois and she gained a new family, and stepsister named Jody. Bette graduated from South High School and shortly afterwards began dating Jay Johnson whom she met while working at a local pharmacy by DU (now University Park Cafe). They married young and started their own family, moving to Colorado Springs when Jay got a job opportunity with Mountain Bell at NORAD. While living in Colorado Springs a neighbor invited them to a bible study where they came to know and love the Lord. Jay & Bette continued to grow in their faith, eventually moving back to the Denver area and settling down in Lakewood to be close to the church community at Southwest Bible Chapel. There they continued to be faithful members and serve the Lord together, including volunteering for Set Free Prison Ministries…which Bette continued to do for 25 years.

Bette & Jay remained married for more than 30 years, enjoying a happy and simple life together, raising their 3 children Krystal, Kara & Grant, going on family camping trips and sending their kids to Camp Elim every summer. Bette enjoyed her role as mother, homemaker and family bookkeeper…but also loved baking, sewing, reading, gardening and celebrating Christmas! Sadly, in the spring 1996 Jay passed away from cancer, leaving Bette a widow at a fairly young age. She continued to live out the rest of her years independently, and embraced becoming a Grandmother of 7 beautiful grandchildren that brought her much joy.

Bette is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jay Robert Johnson, and her daughter-in-law Kimberly Johnson. She is survived by her 3 children, Krystal Tate, Kara Baclawski and Grant Johnson and their spouses (John Tate & Jeff Baclawski), and also her 7 beloved grandchildren (Molly & George Tate, Ashley & Connor Baclawski, and Caleb, Isaac, & Jakob Johnson). She will always be remembered as a beloved mother, grandmother and faithful follower of Jesus Christ.

The family is sincerely grateful for their wonderful friends and community through this difficult time. Their love and support is deeply appreciated today, as well as the days ahead.

Please see Memorial Service information below, as well as donation options in lieu of flowers and gifts.