Betty Jean Johnson (Ridnour)

Celebration of Life Services for Betty Johnson, age 85, of Corning, who died Friday, July 11, 2014 at Alegent Health Mercy Hospital in Corning will be held Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 10:00 AM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be held Monday from 3-7 PM with the family greeting friends from 5-7 PM. Interment will be held at Guss Cemetery. Memorials may be given in Betty's name. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Betty Jean (Ridnour) Johnson was born August 18, 1928, in Gravity, Iowa the daughter of John Ridnour and Blanche (Leighton) Ridnour. She grew up in the Gravity area attending school, graduating from High School with the Class of 1947. After graduation, Betty attended two years of Normative Teacher Training School. She then taught in Holt Center and Nodaway Center Community Schools. On August 22, 1949, she was united in marriage to Wilbur "Shorty" Johnson.

Betty was a waitress at the Mitchell Cafe and Gentle's Cafe in Corning for many years, however, her true love was being a 'farmer's wife'. Betty raised chickens, tended a large garden and was a good seamstress. She loved cooking and was known for her fried chicken, macaroni and cheese and her beef and noodles. She enjoyed company of all kinds, especially after her husband passed away. Betty lived on the farm for 50 years, moving into Corning in the early 2000's. While living in town she enjoyed walking and visiting with neighbors. As a child growing up, Betty played cards as her father's partner, so as the years went by she continued her enjoyment of card playing, usually Phase 10 or Rummy being her favorites.

Left to cherish Betty’s memory is a brother, Ralph Ridnour of Omaha, Nebraska; a special friend; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding Betty in death are her parents John and Blanche Ridnour; her loving husband Shorty in 1999; four brothers, Elmer Ridnour, Orval Ridnour, Oren Ridnour and Eldon Ridnour; three sisters, Zona Schnepp, Hazel Ridnour and Meda Mitchell; a nephew, Calvin Johnson and a niece, Phyllis Chubick.—Ritchie Funeral Home, Bedford, IA