Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Cassell, passed away peacefully April 29, 2018, at the age of 86. Betty was born to Anders B. and Sarah Elizabeth Johnson, in Los Angeles, California on November 28, 1931. She graduated from Pepperdine College (L.A., Cali.) with a degree in Elementary Education. Teaching was her gift. She loved helping children, in and out of the classroom, experience the joy and confidence that comes from learning. She shared her love of education as a classroom teacher for 46 years, followed by 8 years of volunteering after she retired.
She married Frederick Cassell in 1956 and had three children; Susan, Judith “Judy”, and John. They later divorced. In 1975 she and her children moved to Salt Lake City, Utah to be near family.
She was a devout member of Wasatch Presbyterian Church where she served and cared for others as a Ruling Elder on the Session, Deacon, and a Stephen Minister. She said one of her greatest joys in life was sharing her love of music for 45 years singing with dear friends in the Chancel choir. She was a founding member of the hand-bell choir, and received the nickname “Choir Mother” while serving for years as the choir librarian.
Her family will remember her best for her example of unwavering faith and true Christ- like unconditional love, support and encouragement in pursuing education, love of music, unyielding attention to grammar, love of crosswords and Jeopardy, and passion for Utah Sports.
Betty was a Utah Utes and Utah Jazz enthusiast, holding season tickets to U of U Football and Gymnastics, and hoped to one day see the Jazz win a championship. Likewise, she was an avid supporter for the arts in Utah frequenting the Utah Symphony and Ballet. Nothing was more important to her than her family including numerous nieces and nephews, whom she considered her own. Her greatest joy was her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. As she said, “It’s so hard to lose someone you love, but it is even harder to lose someone who loved you.” Nothing could be truer about our dear Mother, Aunt, and Grandmother. We’ll miss you!
Betty was preceded in death by her daughter Judy Tobler, brothers Bob Johnson, Rich Johnson, and sister, best friend, and lifelong companion Shirl Granere. She is survived by her children: Susan (Dean) Kaelin, John Cassell (Diana Zarda), and son-in-law Ron Tobler; Grandchildren: Heather (Spencer) Riddle, Sarah (James) Wirthlin, Justin (Kelly) Cassell, Anna Kaelin, Taylor (Cassidee) Ludwig, Alison (Blake) Harber, Robert Kaelin, Joseph Kaelin, and Katharine Tobler; and 13 great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 2:00pm at the Wasatch Presbyterian Church. Donations in her memory can be made to the American Cancer Society.