Betty Ann Johnson LaFayette: Feb. 8, 1927 – Jan. 21, 2017

Betty Ann Johnson LaFayette, 89, longtime Oak Harbor resident, passed away peacefully Saturday, Jan. 21, at Summer Hill Assisted Living in Oak Harbor.

Betty was born Feb. 8, 1927, in Dupree, S.D., to Edgar and Edith (Johnson) Olson. She was raised in Dupree and attended schools there, graduating from Dupree High School. Betty met Willard Eugene “Gene” Johnson and they were married for 46 years.

In 1965, the Johnsons moved to Oak Harbor. Betty became bookkeeper for the various businesses which she and Gene built, including Island Auto Clinic, Oak Harbor Auto Supply and G &E Construction.

After their retirement in 1984, they began spending their winters in Yuma, Ariz. In Yuma, Betty did various crafts and even took up oil painting. She enjoyed socializing with their Yuma friends and gathering for card games or potlucks. Betty loved to read and could often be found in her recliner with her Reader’s Digest or the local paper.

Gene passed away Jan. 10, 2008. In March of 2013, Betty married Harry LaFayette. Betty was an active member of the Elks and held office as the Emblem Club President for a year. She also attended the United Methodist Church. Betty was a devoted and loving wife, daughter, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, cherished and loved by all who met her.

Betty is survived by her husband Harry LaFayette of Oak Harbor; by her five children and their spouses, Sandy Allgire and husband Steve of Oak Harbor, Richard Johnson and wife Toni of Austin, Gordon Johnson of Lynnwood, Corey Johnson of Oak Harbor and LisaAnn Dickinson and husband Doug of Sedro Woolley; 14 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by four step-children.

She was preceded in death by her husband Gene; by a granddaughter, Bailey MadisonAnn Johnson; three sisters and their spouses, Evelyn and Hugh Ortmyer, Wanda Thompson and Myrtle Jean and Bill Howell; and by one step-son.

A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, at the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge #2362, 155 NE Ernst Street, reception following.

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 30, at Hawthorne Lawn Memorial Park.

Memorial donations are suggested to WAIF. Family and friends are also encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbey memorial.com