Obituary of Bertha Johnson

Lifelong Burlington, Colorado resident Bertha May Johnson passed away on February 22, 2012, at her grandson’s residence in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was 83 years old. Bertha was born on November 16, 1928 in Stratton Colorado to Mike and Lilly (Flageolle) Balanga. She was one of fourteen children. She grew up and attended school in the Stratton area, graduating in 1946. On November 16, 1949, Bertha married Leonard W. Johnson at the St. Charles Catholic Church in Stratton, Colorado. To this union, three children were born; Nancy, Leonard Jr., and Susan. Bertha assisted her husband in the running of Burlington Foods Grocery Store for many years. She was also a member of Burlington United Methodist Church. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 61 years, her son J.R. and son-in-law Craig Pottorff; 8 sisters: Florence Pettibone; Cecilia Flageolle; Mildred Homer; Mary Flageolle; Louise Parsons; Thereasa Lundvall; Ana Marie Pratt; and Dorathy Pettibone. She is also preceded in death by 5 brothers: Lawrence Balanga; Ruben Balanga; Dave Balanga; Edward Balanga; and Mike Balanga. Left to cherish her memory is her two daughters: Nancy (Lynn) Gramoll of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Susan (Doug) Beechley of Burlington, Colorado. Her seven grandchildren; Brian Gramoll, Jessica Barben, Kasey Pottorff, Jeremiah Gramoll, Michael Pottorff, Leonard Johnson III, and Shannen Pottorff. Her nine great-grandchildren; Gavin Fauson, Addison Banner, Emma Camp, Annika Way, Cain Gramoll, Michaela Jo Pottorff, Brooklyn Ava Gramoll, James Michael Barben, and one on the way. Bertha is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.