Betty Ruth Johnston

Betty’s Dad was a Depot Agent with the Frisco Railroad, which meant they moved several times, landing in Snyder, Oklahoma. After World War II, Betty attended Altus College, then enjoyed her work as Secretary to the Personnel Officer and later for the Hospital Chief, all at the newly built Altus Air Force Base. This was where she met the love of her life and married Cecil S. Johnston, Jr. in 1943. (This is also where she met many new friends, including her best friend, Dorothy Warren, who passed away at 103 years old). Soon thereafter, they began to be transferred, living in various states and in each location, she continued to work in civil service. When Cecil was sent to Japan, Betty went home to Oklahoma and lived with her parents until her oldest daughter, Linda was born, and Cecil returned from overseas.

After transferring and spending five years in Roswell, New Mexico, they were assigned a four-year stint in Bogota, Colombia. In 1958, they landed at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for retirement and where their second and third daughters, Lisa and Lori, were born. Betty thrived as an Air Force wife and knew the meaning and importance of serving her Country.

Betty and Cecil moved to Texas in 1964 and have been happy here ever since. Cecil left us in 1999, but Betty is still much loved by her children and their spouses (Linda and Gene King, Lisa and Matt Rose, Lori and Jay McConathy), five grandchildren and spouses (Mackenzie Rose Smith and Trevor, Phillip Rose and Megan, Katy Johnston Wilson and Sam, Roger King and Lauren, Brendan King and Erika) and the family has now added nine great grandchildren.

Throughout her life, she was a stellar homemaker, provider, seamstress, chef, and the home was never without a sewing machine, crochet or craft project on the dining table. She focused on activities that brought the family together, including church at Edge Park United Methodist Church, and her family knew they were loved and could count on her in all circumstances. After 20 years of making the annual declaration that “this will be my last Christmas”, on August 17 during breakfast, she peacefully and simply took her last breath and passed from our presence to her eternal home in heaven at the amazing age of 101.

In honor of Betty, you are welcome to make a donation to the charity of your choice in her name, or to The Gatehouse at www.gatehousedfw.org., the nonprofit founded by our family to serve women and kids overcoming hardships.