Mother and Grandmother Betty Miller Johnson passed away on June 20, 2013 at the age of 87 at her home in Moab. Her husband Harley C. Johnson preceded her in death. She is survived by her two sons, Kevin Ralph Johnson, his wife Jody (Moraga, CA), and their daughter Kema and Kerry Mark Johnson (Durango, CO), his wife Susan and their children Jared, Kevin and Kate.
Betty was born August 11, 1925 in Moab, Utah to Ralph and Genevieve Miller, Sr. The oldest of five children she is still survived by her sister, Carolyn. Her other siblings preceded her in death. Ralph Miller, Jr., Colleen Miller and Patricia “Tish” Larsen. Betty graduated from Moab High School in 1943 and attended college in Havre, MT, obtaining a degree as a medical secretary. She met her future husband Harley (Hal) in Portland, OR while she was working at Emanuel Hospital. They married in Moab at the Baptist church on January 4, 1948.
Betty and Hal made their home in Moab from 1956 to the present day. Along with brother-in- law Ray Tibbetts, Hal owned and operated Family Budget Clothing and Miller’s Clothing. Betty raised their two sons. She loved being a wife, mother, and grandmother and treasured her extended family. She had many varied interests including quilting, traveling, gardening, cooking and baking, singing in the Valley Voices, her Church Choir, and working and worshiping at St. Francis Episcopal Church. Betty lived her life in great enthusiasm and appreciation. She had the ability to see the humor and whimsy in the world, as well as to take seriously the magic and wonder and any rough patch that came her way with grace and dignity. Betty treasured moments. Her diplomacy and common sense wisdom made her a mentor, a trusted friend and a safe place to fall for young and old, family and friends. She was quick to examine all facets of issues and personalities and was always true to her values. Betty was a lady. She had a quick wit surfacing at expected and unexpected times.
Betty’s family and the family of mankind will greatly miss her snapping brown eyes, her quick smile, and her loving touch.
