Julia Betshart-Johnson's Obituary
Julia "Julie" (Proctor) Betshart-Johnson
Announcing the arrival of heaven's newest beloved daughter on July 7th. Julia "Julie" Johnson's presence will be severely missed by the friends and family for whom she will now wait, while she is dancing with the Lord and her loved ones who preceded her arrival there.
Julia was born in Tacoma on November 16, 1925, to Sarah and John Proctor who emigrated from Canada. Julia's father passed away when she was only six and both she and her sister, Dorothy, spent many memorable summers in Canada visiting their aunts and uncles.
Julia grew up in South Tacoma attending Edison Elementary and Gray Junior High, and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1943. While in high school, Julie worked for Brown and Haley wrapping Almond Roca.
During the war, she met and married Carl Betshart of Spanaway. Julia then chose the noble profession of a full-time homemaker. She spent much time working in the garden, canning and sewing to provide well for her family throughout the year. She was a great cook and every new member to the family would comment about her baking, -Å"This is the best apple pie I have ever tasted.-
Julia was also a PTA president, Campfire leader and enjoyed square dancing with the -Å"Hix and Chicks- and -Å"Bonnie Lads and Lassies.-
After she and Carl raised their three daughters, Julia went back to college and earned her AA Degree. She then worked for St. Paul and the Pierce County Health Department until her retirement in 1989.
For many years Julia was a member of Asbury Methodist Church serving with the Methodist Women's Society. Julia loved the old hymns of the church and her children remember fondly her many times playing one of her favorite hymns, How Great Thou Art on the piano.
Many of Julia's favorite times were spent at the family cabin on Lake Lawrence. After a day of swimming and boating, Mom enjoyed eating the family smorgasbord of food and would often say, -Å"Gosh that's good.- Countless Independence Day celebrations were spent watching the men set off fireworks that caused the spectators along the shore to run from the buzz bombs and other loose fireworks.
Carl passed away in 1984 and Julia married James Johnson in 1988. Jimmy was a family friend who had also spent many summers at Lake Lawrence so he knew the family traditions and fit right in. Together Jimmy and Julia continued to enjoy their favorite past times at the lake and spending time with Julia's children and grandchildren. Jimmy passed in 2005.
Her children, grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren meant the world to her.
Julia leaves behind her daughters Marilyn (Vic) Bennett, Diane (Darwin) Sivara and Carole (Ray) Weigley, grandchildren Jaimie, Shawn, Debby, Holly, Amy, Leah and Carl, 17 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.
Her courageous battle against Parkinson's ended on July 7th, 2012.
She is loved and will be missed deeply.
Viewing at Mountain View Memorial Park will be Friday, July 20th, and a celebration of Julie's life will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 21st in Mountain View's Aspen Chapel with a reception following.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home.
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