Bertha Johnson

Bertha Johnson, 89, of Revillo, South Dakota, passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.

A private funeral was held on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Revillo. 

Bertha Darlene (Doll) Johnson was born on April 4, 1935, in the family cabin in the limestone area 16 miles outside of Custer, SD. She was the fifth child of seven born to Paul and Emma (Alger) Doll.

Bertha attended Alkali Country School from first to eighth grade, and graduated from Custer High School in 1953. Independent and driven, she worked hard all summer, then pinned her entire life savings inside her clothing and crossed the state at 18 to attend South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD.

During college she met James Johnson, and the sweethearts were married in a blizzard over spring break during their senior year. After they graduated in 1957, the pair moved to Colorado, where Bertha taught physical education at the local high school.

Their first child, Linda, was born in 1958 and second daughter, Melanie, was born in 1961. The family moved back to South Dakota in 1962, where they began farming near Revillo. Son, Mark James, was born in 1965.

Bertha was extremely involved in the church, where she served as Sunday School superintendent and teacher. She sang for many funerals and enjoyed attending Ladies’ Aid. Her sister, Shirley, remembers days from their youth where Bertha and their mother would often be enthusiastically singing “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” which seemed to echo throughout the entire Black Hills.

Bertha worked side by side with Jim, farming and raising Simmental cattle along with their family. The pair were married for 49 years. Following Jim’s death in 2006, the family farm continued on with Bertha acting as Mark’s right-hand man for 18 years, serving as head cook and transportation supervisor.

 If cow chasing was an Olympic sport, she would have taken gold. She fiercely cared for her family and always put others first. “Grandma Bert” will be dearly missed by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Remaining to cherish Bertha’s memory are children: Linda Richter, Melanie Schoepp (Scott), and Mark Johnson; grandchildren James Richter, Emilie Miller, Erik Richter, Brian Richter, Brittany Schoepp-Wong, Tanner Schoepp, and Trapper Schoepp; and 12 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by siblings Helen, Shirley, and David. Preceding Bertha in death are husband, James; parents: Paul and Emma Doll; three siblings: Mary, Ralph, and Paul; and son-in-law, Gordon.

 Written by Bertha's family.