Betty L. (Alexander) Hagan Johnson, 86, of Elk Horn, Iowa, and formerly of Ridgeway, Missouri, passed away Sunday, April 2, 2017, at Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic.
Betty Loree was born on March 24, 1931, in Bethany, Missouri, the daughter of Paul Darling and Velma Vadis (Willis) Alexander. She attended Victor Country School, near Akron and Cainsville High School.
On November 4, 1947, she married Gerald Randall Hagan, and the couple was blessed with four children. Betty loved being a mother and raising her children, and in later years looked forward to spending time with the grandchildren. The couple lived on the Hagan farm for a short time before moving into Ridgeway, and owning and operating the Ridgeway Hardware Store for many years. Betty also worked as a waitress and cook for the Ridgeway Cafe, teachers aid at the South Harrison School, secretary at the Harrison County Water District, and shipped books all over the world at Fitzgerald’s Book Store in Bethany. After 46 years of marriage to Gerald he passed away on November 15, 1993. In 2010, she reconnected with former classmate, John Johnson. The couple married on November 12, 2010, and made Elk Horn, Iowa, their home.
Betty loved to read, dance and listen to Big Band Music. She enjoyed her flower gardens and looked forward to the fresh flowers she received weekly from John. Betty and John treasured every moment together, whether it was quietly reading a book or hitting the 2nd hand store looking for a true bargain or even just junk. They both agreed you should never ever pay full price for something. A day wasn’t complete in Betty’s eyes until you had a few scoops of your favorite ice cream.
Betty is survived by her husband, John of Elk Horn; children, Mary Elizabeth Pollack, John (Ronda) Hagan, and Paula (Rod) Hutton; grandchildren, Aaron (Megan Hagan, Nick Hagan, Nate Hagan, Trisha (Coy) Rinehart, Sydney (Kenton) Smith, Jack Hutton, Bobby Hutton, Lacey (Daniell) Burton, and Latosha (John) Reinwald; John’s daughters, Janelle (David) Smith and Sheila Johnson; John’s grandchildren, Nate (Carri) Potts, Elijah (Page) Bintner, Hannah (Keith) Greving, Libbie Bintner, Maddie Bintner, Abi Bintner and Gabbie Bintner; many great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Velma Alexander; husband, Gerald Randall Hagan; son, David Alexander Hagan; sisters, Riva, Nina and Norma; and brother, Gene.
Per Betty’s wishes cremation has taken place and burial will take place at a later date in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Ridgeway, Missouri.
Roland Funeral Service in Atlantic, Iowa, is caring for Betty’s family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com