Gladys "Hap" L. Johnson

Johnson, Gladys “Hap” {Prill} age 99 of Tipp City, OH passed away Saturday, July 3, 2021. Born November 20, 1921 in Tipp City, OH to Harry and Mary Elizabeth {Gray} Prill.  She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Harry H. Johnson in 1975, sisters, Mary Butler, Velma Smith, Emma Mae Thornton and brother, Charles Prill.  She is survived by several nieces and nephews.

A 1940 graduate of Tippecanoe High School, Hap earned a degree in Business Management after attending classes through Ohio State University, Clark and Edison.  Beginning in 1946 Hap spent two years living in Shanghai, China working for an American Consulate.  She immensely enjoyed the time spent overseas.

From China, Hap then moved with her husband, to Texas where they lived in El Paso, Amarillo and Fort Worth.  Next it was back to Tipp City, and Hap worked at Wright Patterson Air Force Base until she retired as a Job Supervisor and Proof Reader.

Many remember Butler’s Variety Store, particularly for the penny candy.  The candy was as sweet as the memories Hap Johnson has of the business. Hap operated Butler’s in its final years before closing in 2002.  Though Butler’s is what Hap is most known for throughout Tipp City, it’s only a small part of her life, which spanned across the globe.  The store was opened in 1947 by Hap’s sister and her husband (Mary and Basil Butler).  Hap began working with her sister in the store after Basil’s death and then took over in 1995 when Mary passed away.

One of the things Hap has the most fond memories of from Butler’s is serving the children.  “They would come in by the hundreds with their dimes and quarters to buy the penny candy.  We became known as the candy store, because that’s what everybody called it,” said Hap.

Through the years Hap saw many of her young customers grow up before her eyes. Some, who had moved away, would come to see her whenever they were back in town. The connection she made with the customers of all ages was valued by Hap.  “I understand there were many children crying when they found out they couldn’t get their candy anymore,” she said.

The choice to close Butler’s in 2002 was made due to Hap requiring a knee replacement surgery.  Though shutting the doors was difficult, Hap says comfort was found by following the only available option, “You have to accept what you get in life. I had no other choice.”

A widow since 1975, after 35 years of marriage, Hap lived alone until 2013 when she moved into the Randall House.  She was very happy at the facility and would choose nowhere else to live.  Though holding high positions across the world in a variety of different fields, it’s the penny candy from Butler’s that provided the most valuable memories for both Hap and others.

A private family service is planned; Pastor Jeff Glawe of Zion Lutheran Church will officiate.  Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Miami County, Inc., 3230 No. County Rd. 25A, Troy, OH 45373.  Arrangements have been entrusted to FRINGS AND BAYLIFF FUNERAL HOME, 327 W. Main St. Tipp City, OH 45371.