LINCOLNVILLE — Betty I. Johnson, 86, passed away on January 6, 2026, surrounded by her loving family including her dog Lily.

Born on December 12, 1939, in Sioux City, Iowa, she was the daughter of Clifford Simons and Eva (Van Buskirk). Betty grew up in Jasper, Minnesota, alongside her seven brothers and sisters.

After completing high school, Betty moved to the East Coast where she graduated from Boston City Hospital of Nursing in 1959. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Robert Johnson. They married in 1962 and enjoyed 60 beautiful years together until Robert’s passing in 2023.

Betty and Robert bought their first home and began raising their six children in Bellingham, Massachusetts. Eventually, they moved to Maine, where Betty continued her nursing career until an injury forced her to retire.

Transitioning from nursing, Betty dedicated herself to public service, serving as an elected official at both the town and county levels. At the time of her passing, she was completing her fourth term as Waldo County Commissioner, a role she embraced with passion and commitment.

In addition to her public service, Betty was actively involved in her community throughout her life. She contributed her time and energy to numerous committees and civic organizations, always championing causes close to her heart.

Betty’s greatest achievement was her family. She was a devoted wife, a proud mother and grandmother. She rarely missed an activity her children and grandchildren were involved in including sports, plays and competitions.

Betty had an unwavering amount of energy. While working and raising her children, she enjoyed tennis, bowling, baking, puzzles, and games. She was a very talented crafter, creating numerous items by sewing, knitting, crocheting, and coloring. She was also computer savvy and utilized this medium to design cards, buttons, posters, and newsletters.

Betty is predeceased by her husband, Robert P. Johnson Sr.; her parents; and siblings Jim, Ted, Donnie, and Alice.

She is survived by her six children: Robert Johnson, Irene Johnson and her partner Lee Walsh, Marty Johnson, Paula Johnson, Anna Johnson and her partner Scott Underhill, Joseph Johnson and his wife Melissa and her beloved dog Lily.

She also leaves behind several grandchildren: Jessica, Christopher, Nicholas, Nathaniel, Perrin, Alana (a.k.a. Wyvern), Justin, Alexis, Trinity, and Jaclyn.

Betty is also survived by her siblings Geraldine, Patti, and Wayne, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.Her absence will be profoundly felt by her family, friends and the community.

The family would like to thank the care team at Maine, Medical Center Cardiology ICU for their exemplary care and support throughout Betty’s illness.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 23, at 11 a.m., at Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Avenue, Belfast, Maine 04915.

A private springtime burial is being planned.

Memories and condolences may be shared on her tribute wall at ripostafh.com.

In honor of Betty, donations can be made to the Maine Chapter of the American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org/en/affiliates/maine) and Maine Coast Animal Rescue (https://www.mainecoastanimalrescue.com).