Obituaries

Waunakee – Beth Johnson, age 79, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her sons, on Saturday, October 1, 2022. She was born on July 31, 1943, in Sheboygan, WI to Allan J. and La Verne M. Matthias. She lived in Kiel, WI and graduated from Kiel High School. Beth was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s UCC. She moved to Madison in 1961 to attend Madison Business College. Beth married Jon Budge in 1963. Beth worked as a secretary for the City of Madison Redevelopment Authority, East High School and for Marshall Smith & Associates. In 1972, she adopted two children, Barbara, and Jason. After divorcing, Beth married Richard Johnson and had two sons, Benjamin, and Eric. In 1989 Beth worked at La Follette High School as a clerical educational assistant/special educational assistant until her retirement in 2005. Beth was active in her church, Bashford Methodist (serving on committees, teaching Sunday school, and playing in the Handbell Choir) as well as in other organizations such as Christian Women and Madison Educational Secretaries Assoc. She enjoyed being a member of the Red Hat Society. Beth had a love of anything British, books, movies, TV shows, etc. and fulfilled her life-long dream to visit England with a trip to London in 2005. In the later years of her life, she moved into her condo where she was surrounded by many special neighbors and friends.

Beth was preceded in death by her father and mother; husband, Richard; as well as a son-in-law; an aunt and uncles.

She leaves behind her children, Barbara Roggow, Jason Budge (wife Leita), Benjamin Johnson and Eric Johnson; grandchildren, Cory Paulson, Ryan Roggow, Garret Roggow, Austin (Lauren) Budge, Christopher Budge, Tyler Budge and Payton Budge; great-grandchildren; Zachary, Ashton, Alexander, Ella and Ava; a sister, Gail (Kenny) Schneider; a niece, Kristin (Patrick) and their son Matthias Unertl; and cousins, Kathy (John) Heck, Tom (Sue) Sohrweide and Michael Sohrweide.

Beth’s greatest joy was her children and grandchildren. All she needed to be happy was to have her loved ones around her. In addition to her own children, she spent a lot of her life with the children of others, either caring for them, teaching them, tutoring them, etc. She loved animals and always owned dogs. Her West Highland White Terrier (Samson) and her Black Lab (Jessie) brought her much joy and love during their lifetimes. Eric’s dogs Shyy and Payton have been great companions. She loved her little flower garden. Her love of color and her flowers was reflected in the quilts and wall hanging she made. Listening to classical music was a comfort during difficult times. The music touched her heart and soul.

A Funeral Service will be held at 12pm on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N Sherman Ave, Madison. Visitation will be from 10:30am until the time of service. Burial will follow the service at Highland Memory Gardens. A luncheon will follow the burial at the Westshire Village Stratford Building at 2:30pm, 5477 Westshire Cir, Waunakee, WI. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 2418 N Sherman Ave 608-249-8257