Betty J. Johnson

Betty Johnson, age 89, of Mishawaka, passed away on April 11, 2026, at Holy Cross Rehabilitation and Wellness Center after a short illness.  Betty was the co-owner and bookkeeper of Johnson Auto Service and retired in 1985 after 15 years of service. She was born on September 23, 1936, in Mikado, Saskatchewan, Canada to the late Michael and Caroline (Hnoyoway) Chranowski and has lived in this area since 1967 coming from San Diego, CA.

On November 26, 1960, in San Diego, she married Darwin A. Johnson who preceded her in death on March 18, 2014.  Betty is survived by her daughters, Caroline (Frank) Flowers of Osceola, Luanne Johnson of West Tisbury, MA and a grandson, Lance I. Flowers of South Bend.  Also surviving are her brother, Peter Chranowski of Lake Havasu, AZ, three great grandchildren, Alivia Flowers, Harlynn Binder, Atlas Aubill and their parents, Jack and Ashley Aubill. 

Betty is preceded in death by a grandson, Zachary Flowers, four sisters, Ann Turrene, Amelia and Jean Chranowski, Marsha LaCroix and five brothers, Sid, Adam, Alan, Joseph and John Chranowski. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 21, at St. Pius X Catholic Church with an hour to visit with the family prior to services at the church. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Visitation will be held for family and friends on Monday, April 20, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Palmer Funeral Home – Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend.

Betty enjoyed growing food in her garden at the home she and Darwin shared with their daughters in Penn Meadows for many years. She was a gifted seamstress and an accomplished baker. Her apple pies were loved by many. In her retirement, Betty loved caring for her grandsons during their pre-school and elementary school years. They filled her days with love and laughter. After moving to Mary Phillips apartments, Betty made many new friends, including several local cats and neighborhood dogs. She loved spending time with all of them. Her great-grandchildren brought her much joy in recent years as did rooting for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Chicago Cubs.

Memorial contributions in memory of Betty Johnson may be made to St. Pius X Catholic Church, 52553 Fir Road, Granger, IN  46530 or Pet Refuge, 4626 S. Burnett Drive, South Bend, IN  46614.

Palmer Funeral Homes- Hickey Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent through www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.