Johnson (Beth) Mary E.

Johnson, Mary E. (Beth), 89, passed away on Thursday, January 7, 2010, at the Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan, Kansas. Service 1:00 P.M., Wednesday, January 13, at Downing Lahey Mortuary East. Beth was born January 29, 1920 to Francis and Sallie (Thomas) Kappus on a farm near Macomb, OK. She grew up in various farm communities around the Marlow, OK area. Although she grew up in difficult times, her love of life on the farm remained some of her happiest memories. In 1939, she and Floyd Johnson were united in marriage. Floyd preceded her in death in 1952. Her husband was the love of her life and she remained a widow for the next 57 years. Survivors include her daughter, Mary Burnau and son-in-law, Warren; grandsons, Nate Burnau of Manhattan, KS and Nick Burnau and his wife, Becky of Overland Park, KS. A third grandson, Matthew, preceded her in death. Beth was a long-time resident of Wichita, moving to Manhattan in 1998 to be near her family. She worked as a florist at The Blossom Shop in Wichita, later becoming a teller at the Kansas State Bank and the Valley Center Bank. Beth enjoyed visiting with friends, neighbors and customers, working in her flower gardens and yard. She dearly loved her pets. Beth fed all the neighborhood strays, birds, rabbits, and any four legged creature that needed help. She had a profound love for animals and nature.