Johnson, Elizabeth “Betty”Bishop – 1916-2012

BREITENBACH, JOHNSON, MAZZARELLA, YANG

Posted By: Polk Volunteer
Date: 7/23/2024 at 10:58:48

Betty died on March 5, 2012, at the Scottish Rite Park Health Care Center. A memorial service will be held on March 24, 10:30 a.m., at the Scottish Rite Park Penthouse in Des Moines. Betty was born on May 12, 1916 to Max and Bess Bishop at Fayette, Iowa. She grew up in Elkader, Iowa and graduated from the Elkader High Schooland Elkader Junior College in 1932.
Betty played the clarinet in the high school band, and broke ground by obtaining special permission from the school board to allow her to wear slacks, as was required by the band director. Betty graduated in 1936 from the University of Chicago with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, and in 1938 with a Master's Degree in the University's School of Social Administration. She was hired by the State of Illinois as a child welfare social worker. She met her future husband, Keach Johnson, who was teaching at Illinois College, Jacksonville, Illinois.
Betty and Keach married on April 2, 1944, and eventually settled in Des Moines when Keach was hired to teach at Drake University. Betty stayed home to raise the couple's three daughters until 1965 when she was hired by the Des Moines Public School District as its first school social worker. She retired from that position in 1978. Betty and Keach were founding members of the First Unitarian Church in Des Moines. Betty enjoyed signing in the church choir and attending Unity Circle meetings. Betty also was an active member of P.E.O., the Drake Dames, and the Questers Antiques Club for many years. After she and Keach moved to Scottish Rite Park in 1990, she enthusiastically participated in its many activities and made many friends. Keach died in 1995.
Betty is survived by her daughters Martha (Roger) Mazzarella of Bowling Green, Ohio, Jeanne (Ta-Yu Yang) Johnson of Des Moines, Iowa, and Carole (William) Breitenbach of Tacoma, Washington. Betty also is survived by six grandchildren, one great grandchild, one niece, two nephews and several cousins. Betty's family wishes to give special thanks to the staff of the Scottish Rite Park Health Care Center for their loving care of Betty.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Des Moines, the Des Moines Public Library, or to the charity of choice.
Arrangements By Iles Funeral Homes ~ Dunn's Chapel.
Published in Des Moines (IA) Register; Sunday, March 18, 2012, page 9B