Elizabeth Louise “Betty” Johnson, 89, peacefully passed on November 20, 2025, at her home in Leavenworth, KS, surrounded by her family and caretakers.
Elizabeth was born in Leavenworth on September 20, 1936, to Anthony “Tony”, Sr. and Elizabeth Szychowski. She had two younger brothers, Anthony “Tony”, Jr., and David. She attended St. Joseph Catholic Grade School, Immaculate Conception High School, and graduated from Leavenworth High School with the class of 1954. She attended one semester at St. Mary’s College. She was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Parish.
On August 18, 1956, Elizabeth married her high school sweetheart, Henry William “Bill” Johnson. They lived in Manhattan, Ks while Bill finished school at K-State, and their first child, Pamela, was born there. Betty and Bill spent the rest of their time in Leavenworth, expanding their family with three additional daughters: Sheila, Beth, and Karen. Betty worked from the time she was in high school, first at Kresge’s Department Store, then for Southwestern Bell telephone company. She continued with the phone company during her time in Manhattan. She later worked for the Graham Medical Clinic, then finished her working career at Great Western Manufacturing.
She was an avid gardener, maintaining a beautiful yard of flowers and plants. She donated her time as a Scout leader when her daughters were young and, after retiring, fulfilled her lifelong dream of owning a horse. Sierra and Witchy were two incredibly lucky horses to be loved by her. Along with being an avid reader, she took on multiple hobbies throughout her years, including woodcarving and crocheting, producing some of the most beautiful afghans for her family. Betty was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.
Betty was preceded in death by Bill, her husband of 61 years; daughters Pamela and Sheila; her parents and both brothers; great-grandson, William Bryan DePriest, III.
She is survived by her daughters Beth Cates (Kenneth) of Louisburg, Ks and their sons Steven Cates (Faith) of Louisburg, Ks, Andrew Cates (Jessica) of Biloxi, Ms, and Parker Cates (Kianna) of Lusby, Md; daughter Karen DePriest (Bryan) of Leavenworth, Ks, their daughter Felicia Holcomb (Brad) of Lansing, Ks and son Nicholas DePriest (Shelby) of Leavenworth, Ks. She is also survived by her twelve great-grandchildren: Natasha, Griffin, Eleanor, Rowan, Jadyn, Nina, Benson, Kacey, William, Caroline, Noah, and Matthew.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to caretakers Kaylie Jenkins, Sr. Maria and Monarch Hospice providers Shawna, Jade, Caleb and Kayla, along with the rest of the Monarch Team, for the loving care they provided our mother during her final days.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in her name to H.O.P.E, Inc. or Xavier Catholic Schools, both of Leavenworth.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 5pm to 7pm at Davis Funeral Chapel, with the rosary being recited at 5pm.Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Dec. 5, at 10:30 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Fr. William McEvoy will officiate.
Burial will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery immediately following the service.
Arrangements entrusted to Davis Funeral Chapel.
