Betty Lucille Johns

Betty L. Johns (Budd) 96 of Jefferson, Ohio passed away peacefully in the arms of her Lord and Savior on Wednesday April 5, 2023 at Geneva Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing.

She was born on January 28, 1927 the daughter of Francis and Leona (Wolfe) Budd. Betty graduated from Jefferson High School in 1945. She was a member of and faithfully attended Jefferson United Methodist Church.

Betty had a strong work ethic and was employed as Clerk of the Board of Ashtabula County Commissioners; as Ashtabula County Administrator for 20 years, retiring in 1989; Served as Secretary/Treasurer of Ashtabula County Airport Authority for 25 years, retiring in 1997; She and her daughter Beverly Cowles owned and operated Western Reserve Touring Co. Inc.; Knowing the area so well, she was a Step on Guide for Tour Buses coming to Ashtabula County. While traveling to and from the many covered bridges and museums, she would give the passengers information and local history adding a few jokes for their entertainment. Ending the trip with an Amish dinner.

Betty was often seen walking to work and after her retirement, she enjoyed leisure walks and stopping to talk with neighbors and people she met along the way.

Betty was a member of and enjoyed many organizations: A Past President and member of Zonta Club of Ashtabula Area: Past President of Ashtabula County Convention and Visitors Bureau: ACMC Foundation Board; Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival Committee; Ashtabula County Historical Society; Friends of Parks; an Eastern Star Matron; Mother Adviser of Rainbow Girls: and a Charter Member of Harpersfield Heritage Society (her daughters are Harper Family descendants).

Betty enjoyed gardening and tending to her wide variety of flowers and some vegetable; growing house plants; traveling the country with her husband, Harvey sightseeing and visiting friends and family in their RV; Sister trips; volunteering at her church; and spending time with her daughters and her family. One of her favorite things to do is attending the Budd family reunion visiting with relatives. She and Harvey initiated and facilitated this tradition years ago and it has continued yearly.  

Betty is survived by her beloved daughter, Patricia Cowles of Ashtabula; brothers Raymond (Brenda) Budd of Marion, N.Y. and Charles (Charlene) Budd of Charlotte, N.C.; Sisters Evelyn Labonte of Ravena, Ohio; and Doreen Cole of Jefferson, Ohio; many loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harvey Johns in 1989; an infant daughter, Mary; loving daughter, Beverly Cowles in 2012; infant brother, Richard; brother Harold Budd; sisters Catherine Zapf, Frances Sibson, Louise Pyles, and her best friend since school, Helen Harju.

Honoring Betty’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services. The family will hold a private Celebration of Betty’s life at a later date.

The family would like to thank Fleming-Billman Funeral home for leading us through this difficult time and the Hospice of Western Reserve team for their compassionate care of our loved one.

Memorial contributions in Betty’s name may be given to The Jefferson United Methodist Church at 125 E. Jefferson Street Jefferson, Ohio or Hospice of Western Reserve.

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