Elizabeth J. "Betty Jo" Johnson (Fleming)

Elizabeth Johanna (Fleming) Johnson of Missoula, passed away Sunday, April 24, 2016, at St. Patrick Hospital. Betty Jo was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend.

She was born Sept. 16, 1938, to Thomas and Lena Fleming in Missoula. Betty Jo graduated from Missoula County High School in 1956. She then attended the University of Montana (then MSU) and was an active member of the Tri Delta sorority. She worked for many years at the Anaconda Company mill in Bonner.

Betty Jo married Dale Johnson in 1964. Betty Jo and Dale raised two children, Kristofer and Kelli Jo, while owning and operating Dale's Dairy in the Target Range neighborhood from 1973 to 2009. Betty Jo created a sense of community for Target Range by connecting people. When she heard of someone in need, she would seek out someone who could help. If she knew someone was having a hard time feeding themselves, she wouldn't make them pay for some items, and she let others know, also, that someone needed help. The mothers of Target Range had a special appreciation for Betty Jo. When a kid was caught shoplifting at Dale's Dairy, Betty Jo held them accountable. She extracted restitution, usually in the form of cleanup work around the store. When the work was completed, the young person had learned something by working side-by-side with her, and came to know her compassion. Parents loved that she did this, as it does take a village to raise a child.

Betty Jo had a passion for serving others and the community, especially Target Range School (board member: 1996-2006) and the Missoula County Fair (board member: 1984-2007). Betty Jo loved her animals, her favorite being cows. She raised cows even in her retirement. Betty Jo was active with Altrusa International and the Orchard Homes Country Life Club among others.

Betty Jo is survived by her husband and life-long partner of nearly of 54 years, Dale; son Kristofer (Katie) of Olympia, Washington; daughter Kelli Jo of Houston, Texas; brother Tom (Portia) Fleming of Polson; cousin Kathleen; nieces, Robin and Diane; nephews, Craig and Mike; grandchildren, Kaleb, Logan, Ellie and Alexa. She was preceded in death by her father and mother.

A celebration of life with a potluck is being scheduled for, Thursday, May 5, at 1 p.m. at the Orchard Homes Country Life Club. You're welcome to bring a salad or dessert to share.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, donations can be made in Betty Jo's honor to the Missoula County 4-H or to Target Range Elementary.


Read Elizabeth Johnson's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.