Betty Johns Anderson

Betty Johns Anderson, 98, of Spanish Fork, Utah, died peacefully at the home of her son, Douglas Anderson in Salt Lake City, Utah on February 29, 2024. Betty was born April 7, 1925, to George Francis and Agnes Losser Johns in Spanish Fork, Utah where she grew up, married and spent almost all her life. She is the oldest of 4 children born into the family. After high school, she graduated from Ex-cel-cis Beauty College and worked as a hairdresser throughout her life. She married Leo James Anderson on July 7, 1945. Their marriage was blessed with 3 children – Lorraine, Howard and Doug. They were sealed as a family in the Manti LDS Temple on December 19,1963.

She loved gardening and growing things. Even up until the last 3 years of her life, she had a garden. She loved to share the produce from her garden with family, neighbors and friends. In her baking days she would also bake extra loaves of bread, rolls or other goodies to share with others. Betty was always interested and concerned about her posterity and their well-being.

Losing the love of her life, her husband Leo, on June 22. 1988, was one of the most difficult moments of her life. She spent the next 36 years helping and serving others. Being a “school grandmother” teacher’s aide at Brockbank Elementary School for 5 years was really a joy to her. Upon the death of her beloved Leo, she moved back to her childhood home with her mother until Agnes died in 1998; then she lived there until, at age 96, her son Doug and his wife Lani graciously took her into their home for the last 3 years of her life to care for her though she continued to be as self-sufficient as possible.

She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and held many positions in the church. Betty also enjoyed attending the temple and doing work for her ancestors.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Leo; her parents, Francis and Agnes Johns; a sister, Olita Wignall; a brother, Kenneth, and son-in-law, Larry Swalberg.

She is survived by her children – Lorraine Swalberg of Spanish Fork; Howard (Charlynn) Anderson of Cedar Fort; Douglas (Lani) Anderson of Murray; brother Roy (Colleen) Johns of Spanish Fork; 16 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, and 3 (soon to be 4) great-great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed.

A viewing will be held at the Spanish Fork LDS 6th 19th Ward Chapel (590 North Main) on March 8 from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM with the funeral services to follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will be at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery (420 South 400 East). 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a favorite charity.