Betty G. Johnson, 89

Betty Gail Johnson, 89, longtime Sandpoint resident and businessperson, passed away peacefully in her home Tuesday, June 4, 2024, in the care of her youngest daughter and her care provider and friend Raelea Whitson. 

Betty was born March 10, 1935, in Rocky Ford, Colo., the daughter of Clifford and Henrietta Rosecrans. Betty grew up in the Denver region before moving to North Idaho in 1974. While living in Colorado, Betty worked in various locations as a bartender before her relocation to the Idaho panhandle, where she spent the last 50 years.

Betty worked at the Bonner County Daily Bee for a significant period of time, selling advertisements to local businesses where she developed many of her longtime friends in the area. In 1994, Betty opened her Dog Grooming Business, a Doggy Wagin, which was the first mobile grooming business in North Idaho, before she relocated it to her residence on Main Street. Betty ran the grooming business until her eventual retirement in 2014.

Betty was a pioneer of sorts, owning her own home in the 1960s, and raising her six children as a single parent in the days before women could obtain credit or a checking account and without any child support. She also put herself through dog grooming school so she could start her business.

Betty enjoyed the outdoors, hiking and camping throughout North Idaho and Canada. She also enjoyed kayaking, biking and grooming her beloved dogs. But mostly Betty liked to garden. Her yard was a testament to her gardening skills and her love of nature. Over the years, Betty had created a haven which was enjoyed greatly by her, and her friends and family, and the occasional moose.

Betty truly loved her family and spent as much time as she could with them, particularly before her health began to fail. She was particularly close to her cousin, Elaine Farrar, 83, who lives in Sandpoint and spent a lot of time with Betty throughout their lives.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Valerie Lovenstein (Brian) of Denver, Colo., son Steven Yankey of Spirit Lake, daughter Theresa Montrull of Denver, and daughter Jennifer Hagar (Jim) of Woodburn, Ore., nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her sons, David Johnson of Sandpoint; and Gilbert Johnson of Denver.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Bonner Community Food Bank. A celebration will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at her home on Main Street in Sandpoint. RSVPs can be sent to the email address vll9521252@gmail.com. 

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Betty’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign her guest book.