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Elizabeth "Betty" Johnson, age 92, of Ogema, MN, died Monday, July 11, 2022, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND.

Elizabeth "Betty" Lucille, the daughter of Lee and Alvina Chilton, was born on June 6, 1930, in Mahnomen, MN. She was baptized at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen and grew up with her 14 siblings in rural Mahnomen, MN.  As a young girl, Betty attended St. Benedicts Mission Boarding School and later Flandreau High School in South Dakota.  While home on summer break, Betty met Everette "Bud" Johnson, the couple quickly fell in love.  They were united in marriage on October 12, 1948, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Beaulieu, MN.  They made their home together on the farm in LaGarde Township and were blessed with 11 children.  Tragically, Betty's husband passed away October 30, 1975, with seven of their children still at home.  As a single woman, she worked incredibly hard to provide for her family.  During the week, Betty was a cook and janitor at the Naytahwaush School, and she worked weekends at Pinehurst Resort.  She later was hired as a cook at the Center for Human Environment and worked with White Earth Congregate Housing for a time.  After her children were grown, she sold the farm and lived with family until moving into her apartment in White Earth.  Although she tried to retire, Betty continued working nearly full time for the White Earth Elderly Nutrition Program until she was 80 years old.  She enjoyed staying active and kept herself very busy.  Betty was a wonderful cook and made delicious breads and jellies.  She loved to play cards and go to the Casino. Betty was especially fond of Rummy and Whist and was known for making her own rules along the way.  Spending time with her children and grandchildren was, by far, her favorite thing to do.  She always focused on their well being and happiness.  Betty's courage, her perseverance, her feistiness, and her zest for life will always be remembered.

Betty is survived by two sons, Frank (Connie) of Waubun, MN, and Everette Jr. (Elizabeth "Lisa") of Bemidji, MN; eight daughters: Paulette (Bob) Halvorson of Glyndon, MN, Jean Johnson of Ada, MN, Susan (Richard) Lunski of Fordville, ND, Carla (James Anderson) Soyring of Waubun, Annette (Elliott) Christensen of Anoka, MN, Mary (Brad Simon) Ingebrigtson of Waubun, Lisa (John) McArthur of Ogema, and Gail (Danny Olson) Borgrud of Waubun; daughter-in-law, Christle Johnson of Baxter, MN; one brother, Wayne Chilton of Billings, MT; special friends: Grace and Beebe Clark, DeVon Green, Mele Sii, Betty Maher, Norma Wallgren, and Opal Voit; 35 grandchildren; 73 great grandchildren; and 8 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; one son, Robert; two grandchildren, Elizabeth, and Hayle; one great grandchild; and 13 siblings: Jim, George "Swede", Ruby, Delmar "Del", Maurice "Morris", Ann, Mathias "Mike", Kenneth "Pat", Glenn, Donavon "Donny", Delano, Virgil, and Jenny.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, rural Beaulieu, MN.  Visitation will be held on Monday, July 18, 2022, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, with a Prayer Service and rosary beginning at 6:00 pm.