Benjamin Franklin Johns passed away from complications due to COVID 19 on January 14, 2021.
Ben was born to Benjamin Sink Johns and Frankie Miller Johns on June 9, 1936 in Lewistown, Montana. He was raised in Two Dot and Harlowton, Montana. He graduated from high school in Harlowton and then went onto Rocky Mountain College, earning a degree in Business Administration. Following earning his degree he enrolled in the United States Army. After being honorably discharged Ben moved to Helena to begin his employment with the IRS. It was during that time that he met Judy Rennie and they were married in White Sulphur Springs on April 12, 1963. Ben then went on to be the Budget Director for the State of Montana. After his time as State Budget Director he became Deputy Director of Social and Rehabilitation Services. Following retirement he worked part time at MHESAC.
Ben enjoyed photography and for years put out a yearly calendar to family and friends. He loved spending time in Yellowstone and traveling around taking pictures. He always had a good story and most of them were about Harlowton. Ben had a great sense of humor and loved to tell jokes. Ben loved spending time with family and was very dedicated to his grandchildren and great grandchildren who called him “Popeye”. He also had many wonderful friends that he spent time with.
Ben was preceded in death by his parents, wife Judy Rennie Johns, sister Patricia Hautzinger, brother Gary Johns and great granddaughter Willow Grace Stigman.
He is survived by his children Heather (Roger) Johnson, Gretchen Grove, both of Helena; son Bryce (Jody) Johns of Choteau; Sister Charmaine (Ron) Fisher of Billings; Grandchildren; Bryant (Jamie) Grove, Nicole (Aaron) Wood, Brooke (AJ) Shelley, Hannah (Ethan) Buffington, Alyssa Stromberg, Atha Johns and great grandchildren Lane, Kate, Madison, Tucker, Aubree, Dayzee, Aliyah (due in March); sister and brother in laws and many nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place and due to COVID 19 there are no services planned at this time. There will be a memorial picnic at a later date. Memorial donations in Ben’s name can be made to The Friendship Center at 1430 Sanders, Helena, MT 59601; or Lewis and Clark Humane Society, PO Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604, or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Local arrangements have been entrusted to Big Sky Cremation & Twitchell Funeral Services.
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Jim Stipcich says
I was saddened to learn today of Ben’s passing. Ben was an employee with numerous other great folks at MHESAC for a number of years. His professional manner and outstanding kind caring personality was a role model for all.
Ben you will be missed by all whose life’s you touched.
May you rest in peace.
Jim Stipcich
Wallace Rennie says
To all the family of Ben,
It is with deep sadness and sorrow we heard the passing of Ben. Will always remember all the great times we shared. His great calendar’s each year will be greatly missed along with all the family gettogether’s and stories. One of his favorites was the Harlowton.. Rodeo and parade.
We will miss him forever and words cannot express the pain of his loss.
Wallace (Dude) and Mary Rennie
Joan Griffith says
Loved going on photo trips with Ben. I learned so much from him about photography. I think of him every time I see a reflection of a mountain on a lake, flowers and trees Always looked forward to seeing him in Harlo on the 4th of July. You are loved and will be missed greatly Ben
Mary Rennie says
Ben was such a great person. He loved Montana and had a story to tell about every part of the state. He was the best tour guide ever whenever we visited. His photographs were astonishing and he never used photo shop. Seeing him was a highlight of every trip to Montana. We will miss him so much but at least we have many wonderful memories of our times with him. He was the best brother-in-law ever! Dude(Wally) and Mary Rennie
Audrey Corcoran Eckhardt says
So sorry to hear about Ben. I always enjoyed seeing and visiting with him. We were accounting classmates at RMC. He was my “go to†friend when I needed help with an accounting debit or credit! He was a special person and friend. God Bless all his family!
Audrey Corcoran Eckhardt
Suzanne Silver says
When growing up, we spent much time with Uncle Ben and Aunt Judy, Heather, Gretchen, and Bryce. Those times are some of the most joyous memories of my childhood. I remember once, Uncle Ben took us all to Virginia City. He and Aunt Judy loved the ghost towns and it was a terrific day. I still remember that we had lunch there and it was THE best chili burger I had ever had then or since. Uncle Ben was a wonderful man. He was my father’s best friend and a person we all adored and looked up to. He raised a wonderful family and gave so much to the world we know. Rest In Peace Dear Uncle.
Margaret Griffith Lyons says
5 files added to the album Memories Album
Dave Lewis says
Ben was Deputy Director at SRS when I was Director back in 1980’s. We were a good team. He knew the agency and I knew the Legislature. Hard times hard choices. Could not have done it without him. Just a great guy.
kayleigh stroup says
I have many fond memories of Uncle Ben. He loved telling jokes and kept us all smiling!
He was a great cook! I remember a trip to Texas that he and Aunt Judy took Heather and I on when we were very, very young. This trip was definitely an adventure as every time we passed a gas station, we thought it fun to stop and use the restroom! When we arrived in Texas, they treated us to a great trip to the zoo! I think one of my favorite memories of Uncle Ben, is the time he and Aunt Judy took us trick-or-treating. It seems they worked tirelessly all day to get our costumes ready! The costumes were amazing and we had a great time! He was always supportive showing friendship, love and kindness to us all! We will miss him very much!
kayleigh stroup says
Lit a candle in memory of Benjamin F Johns
Becky St. John says
4 files added to the album Memories Album
Ken Hamilton says
While I had never met Ben, after Judy and I connected in the 80’s, I received semi regular mails on updates to the family. Judy was a beautiful person and I could tell Ben was of the same cloth. We are the few remaining Hamilton’s in Ontario. We wish the Almighty comfort the family and give Ben eternal peace.
Celina and Ken Hamilton, Owen Sound Ontario