Visitation: A visitation honoring Becky’s life will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday, February 23 at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, SD. A time of sharing will be held at 7:00 p.m.
Becky Johnson, age 61, passed away from complication of a sudden illness on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 surrounded by her family at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. A visitation honoring Becky’s life will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday, February 23 at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, SD. A time of sharing will be held at 7:00 p.m.
Becky was born on November 13, 1964 in Marshalltown, IA to Kenneth and Myrna (Niederhauser) Hartwig. She grew up and attended school in Marshalltown, graduating from Marshalltown High School in 1983. Becky also met her soulmate, Donald Johnson, in Marshalltown. The two of them met at a young age and have been inseparable ever since. After many years of dating, they were married on May 5, 1984 in Marshalltown. The couple was blessed with two children, Mary and Blake. The family lived in Iowa, spent a few years in California while Don served in the Navy, and spent the last 20 years on an acreage outside of Lennox, SD.
Becky had a kind, giving heart for both people and animals. Her life revolved around her husband, her grandkids, and dog grooming. She owned and operated Pretty Paws Pet Boutique in Canton, SD for over 28 years. She also started and ran Little Hooves Miniature Horse and Pony Rescue for 12 years. In addition to keeping area dogs looking top notch, she was also always available to lend an ear, provide a shoulder to cry on, organize a fundraiser, or help the Canton community. She was a longtime supporter of Toys for Tots and the Canton Optimist Club.
In her spare time, Becky enjoyed horses, trail riding, camping, fishing, Harry Potter, tending to her various farm animals, and professionally showing Alaskan Malamutes. She also loved traveling to the Black Hills but only if it included a stop at Wall Drug for a donut. Above all else, Becky cherished time spent with her family, especially during the holidays. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy and she loved spoiling them and attending their events.
Becky is survived by her husband of 41 years, Don; children, Mary Johnson (Adam Bakker) and Blake (Rachel) Johnson; grandchildren, Tristan, Madison, Devin, Amara, Kenzie, and Emma; mother, Myrna Hartwig; sisters, Teri Eash and Barbara (John) Shibe; four legged friends, Willow and Daisy; along with numerous extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Hartwig; brother-in-law, Rich Eash; and best friend, Kathy Beer.
Becky was so full of encouraging words when we added Casey and Sadie to our family several years ago. She was also very helpful when I decided to rehome Sadie due to my circumstances….she was feeling my pain with me! My condolences to Becky’s family and sending prayers to help you all through this time. ❤️
Thank you so much. Mom loved her dogs and clients and would do anything to help them. We are all missing her right now and can feel all the love people had for her.
What a ray of sunshine! I will never forget the first time I met you Becky. You made me feel so special and like we had known each other for years.
You and you’re light on life was a blessing to know you
Thanks for being so special
Becky was such a blessing to me and our furbabies Josie and Chester. They really loved going to her for their grooming.She felt so bad when they crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. sent me a sweet message about our loss. There are no words for the loss of Becky that will everyone’s feelings about her. Such a special lady through and through. Remember all your good times with her. prayers for everyone.
Becky had cut all of our schnauzers we have had over the years… she was an EXPERT at her craft! They always looked so handsome when we would pick them up and she would love how much Tyson, her favorite, would ham it up for her. We were blessed with her giving Griff, our new schnauzer, his first big boy cut just recently. I just know when she entered the Kingdom of Heaven there were lots of animals there to greet her! There truly is a whole in the heart of Canton with this loss. Many blessings to the family.
I am SO going to miss her! Her chats, her smile & laugh. She loved ALL my dogs! I’ll miss her generosity with helping someone in need….so many things. So sad. To Don and the kids, I’m SO sorry….hugs and prayers
I am sorry for your loss. No words will make that any easier. I am sending you all love and prayers. “There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.”
To the Johnson family,
She was such a spark with the smile and conversation she had. I waited on her many times in the 3 years I worked at the Canton DG. Your memories will never fade. They are a treasure in themselves. She will be missed. I know this is so hard. Bless you all.
My thoughts and prayers are with Becky’s family
She has groomed our Charlie for 8 years and I always considered her a true friend. prayers
my condolences Don God bless you and your family at this hard time!
my condolences to you and your family Don, God bless!
God bless you and your family through this hard time!
I am so sorry to hear about her passing!! My boys loved to go see their Becky! Blue was her Blue eyed Boston Terrier and Max was just starting to get used to her!! She was always a caring person I really enjoyed chatting with her whenever we went there. I am so sorry for your loss!
I am heartbroken for all of you. God bless.