Ida Johnson Bettis, 80, of Harrisburg died Monday, September 18, 2006.

She was born Feb. 3, 1926 at Smithville, the daughter of Al Toney and Mary Baker Johnson.

Bettis and her parents moved to eastern Poinsett County in 1938 and were cotton sharecroppers and tenant farmers. The family moved to Harrisburg in 1941 and she graduated Harrisburg High School in 1944 in a class of all girls. The boys were in active military service of World War II.

She began working part time in Waddle's Drug Store in 1941 and remained part time employment for 37 years. Thus began her working career that spanned 60 years on Court Square. She was employed full time by the Bank of Harrisburg, revenue agent for the state of Arkansas, loan officer and manager of Independence Federal Bank, and Poinsett County Court and probate clerk.

Bettis was a member of Harrisburg First Baptist Church for 46 years. She was also a member of Chamber of Commerce, Poinsett County Fair Board, Trumann Fine Arts, ASU Museum Society and Harrisburg Garden Club.

She diligently served with commitment and dedication her family and public of Poinsett County.

Bettis was preceded in death by her husband, James A "Bo" Bettis; her parents; two brothers, Reuben Johnson and Howard Johnson; and one sister, Osage Johnson.

Bettis is survived by two daughters: Michele Wimpy and husband Jerry Wimpy of Harrisburg and Janna Bettis and husband Jerry Underwood of Wynne; one sister, DeLois Swanner of Jonesboro; four grandchildren: Brad Wimpy and wife Whitney, Jared Massey, Janna Massey and Cam Wimpy; and two great grandchildren: Ethan Massey and Evan Massey.

A private burial at Garden Point Cemetery in West Ridge was held on Friday, Sept. 22. Bettis was laid to rest with her parents and her Johnson Family.

Memorial service was 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at Jackson's Harrisburg Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Larry Bailey, Rev. Jerry Krausler and Rev. Captain Lovell officiating. Arrangements were handled by Jackson's Harrisburg Funeral Home.

Memorial s can be made to a charity of choice.