Obituary of Mary Ann Arline Johnson

On Saturday, January 28, 2023 Mary Ann Arline Johnson passed away peacefully in Meridian, Idaho at the age of 89.

She grew up in Estherville, Iowa and attended Estherville Lincoln Central High School.

Mary Ann met Jim Johnson in Portland, Oregon at a bus station.  He was serving in the U.S. Air Force at the time.  There was an immediate connection between the two of them and their friendship began. Jim gave Mary Ann his address hoping to hear from her one day.  Because Jim shipped out to Alaska shortly after them meeting each other, he wasn’t able to get her response letter for about 6 weeks after he returned to the Moses Lake AF Base. He was happy to receive a letter from her stating that her mother gave her permission for her to start writing to him.   After several letters and knowing how much they had in common in their beliefs their courtship officially began.  On September 17, 1955 they were married in Molalla, Oregon and shared 67 wonderful years together.

They had four children and as the years passed, she became a grandmother of 13 and then promoted to great-grandmother of 33 grandchildren. Each one was her pride & joy and she made each one feel very special and loved.

She gave her heart to Jesus Christ at a young age and had an unwavering faith in God and in her Savoir Jesus Christ. She gave of her time and talents helping at the church, teaching young girls in Missionette’s, sending out care cards to encourage and lift people up, planning multiple events, typing up the church bulletin for each Sunday.

She played the flute and was a member of the school marching band and also loved playing at church.

She was passionate about the outdoors, camping, hunting & fishing trips. She did not hunt or eat the wild meat but that didn’t stop her from being by Jim’s side and cooking it for her family. They loved sharing the great outdoors together.  She enjoyed her vegetable and flower gardens, especially her cucumbers, roses and dahlias. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, & crafts as a hobby. Every holiday was made extra special to all of her family.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jimmie Johnson as well as her children and their spouses. Rod Johnson (Penny), Linnea Worden (Randy), Rennea Kimmel (Daryl), Jennea Rowell (Loren). Also, 13 grandchildren & their spouses, 33 great grandchildren, and her dear sister, Sharon Williams.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Martin & Harda Guge, her brother Rev. Wayne Guge, and many other loving family members.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Cloverdale Church of God 3755 S Cloverdale Rd Boise on Saturday, February 11 @ 11:00 a.m.

Flowers are welcome in her memory or donations can be made to Ronald McDonald House or Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital in her name.