Beth Johnson

Cleo “Beth” Smoot Johnson passed peacefully in Springville on Friday, July 14, surrounded by family. She was born August 23, 1928 in Provo, Utah to Douglas Parley and Jenny Hallam Smoot. She was the oldest of 3 children, followed by Norma and Douglas.

Beth grew up in Provo until her sophomore year when her family moved to Springville. She graduated from Springville High School as Valedictorian of her class in 1946. She studied shorthand and typing. Her first job after high school was at Hill Air Force Base, she also worked later at Geneva Steel.

She married Edwin Junior Johnson on November 6,1946 in the Salt Lake City Temple. They made their home in Springville with their four children: Michael, Valerie, Jennie and Shelli.

Together Ed and Beth purchased Johnson Tire in 1964 from Ed’s parents, who started the business in 1924.They worked side by side for the next 4 decades building their family and their business. Beth was a sharp businesswoman and dedicated mother, balancing home and work life effortlessly. She valued her friendships and was a member of both a ladies lunch and couple’s dinner club for over 60 years. Because of their service to the community, Ed and Beth were honored as Springville Citizens of the Year in 2009. 

Beth loved her family dearly, her motto was, “Family first, faith second and whatever the Lord blesses you with next.” She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, serving in many callings, but her favorite was being a visiting teacher. She enjoyed spending time with family which included many weekends in Pine Hollow at their cabin. She loved Sunday afternoons on her patio enjoying Otter Pops with family. She loved her family and was always supporting her grandkid’s activities. She never missed a Jazz or University of Utah football game.

Beth was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin, her son Michael, son-in-law Charles Gay, her parents, siblings, in-laws, and a great-grandson, Britton Ivie. She is survived by her 3 daughters, Valerie (Robert) Jackson of Springville, Jennie Gay of Spanish Fork, Shelli (Nels) Jensen of Bothwell, daughter-in-law Christine Johnson of Springville, sister-in-law Helen Johnson Moon. 16 grandchildren; Scott, Keli, Riley, Rebecca, Kyle, Stacy, Todd, Jeff, Adrienne, April, Rachelle, Melanie, Amelia, Lindsey, Jillian and Dallin. 43 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.

We would like to give a special thank you to Hollie Tanner, a sweet neighbor who cared for her, Symbii Hospice, especially Bellinda, Monique and Corey for their kind and loving care and Heritage Gardens of Springville who cared for her the last few months of her life. 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., in the Springville Stake Center located at 245 South 600 East, Springville, Utah. A viewing will be held Friday, July 28 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Wheeler Mortuary and also 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the services located at 245 South 600 East, Springville.

Interment will be at the Evergreen Cemetery in Springville.

For those unable to join us in person, services will be streamed live beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 29th at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/wheelermortuary

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page.