"I was Darla's bridesmaid at her wedding to Michael at Our Lord's Lutheran Church in Oklahoma City. We discovered each other at church, because she resembled my cousin (and probably me). We would show up for church dressed alike many times and shared a friend, Arlene, in common. We were friends for several years before she and Michael reconnected and share d many happy times together. We have been sharing birthday calls and Christmas letters. I have tried to contact Darla many times and especially when Arlene and her husband George died. I am so saddened by this news. My condolences to Michael and Ryan. I knew Darla when Ryan first came into her life and was at Ryan's baptism at Peace Lutheran in Edmond, OK when they were finally able to add him to their family permanently. My last phone conversation with Darla included much about Ryan and how much she loved him. My condolences to Gary and Rita, whom I met at her wedding. "
In loving memory of
Darla Marlene Johnson
October 6, 1950 - February 15, 2014
Darla Marlene Johnson, 63, of Fairfield, died Saturday, February 15, 2014, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City.
Mrs. Johnson was born October 6, 1950 in Burlington, the daughter of Raymond and Marjorie Brandmeyer Johnson. On May 23, 1987 she married Robert Michael (Mike) Johnson in Burlington. They moved to Fairfield in 2001. She was baptized and confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church in Prairie Grove, and attended Prairie Grove School through the 4th grade. When it closed its doors in 1960, she transferred to Danville Community Schools where she graduated in 1968. She continued her education at Southeastern Community College earning her Associates Degree. She then moved to Oklahoma City and received her BA degree at Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma. She belonged to the Oklahoma City Literacy Council and enjoyed teaching adult students. She was a current member of the First Lutheran Church, Fairfield.
Mrs. Johnson enjoyed reminiscing about her childhood days in Prairie Grove. She purchased some property in the area that was previously owned by her father. She erected a little cabin in the timber and loved going there to sit on the porch, and always invited neighbors, friends and family to join her. She loved dogs, and never went without owning Boxers or Boston Terriers. She enjoyed doing crafts, antique shopping and especially loved finding bargains at Goodwill Stores, thrift shops, and garage sales. She took pride in polishing up her old clarinet from high school and playing in the Danville Alumni Band. Her niece Jennifer said "her unique sense of humor, which was somewhere between Garrison Keillor and Monte Python, was matched only by her contagious laugh."
She is survived by her husband of Fairfield; one son, Ryan; one brother, Gary (Rita) Johnson of Iowa City; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother Steve, and one nephew Preston.
Funeral services for Mrs. Johnson will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, February 20, 2014 at Elliott Chapel, New London. Pastor Staci Grau will officiate. Burial will be in Prairie Grove Cemetery, West Burlington. Visitation will begin after noon on Wednesday, February 19 at the Chapel with family greeting friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Memorials have been established to The American Diabetes Association, Prairie Grove School Restoration Project, and First Lutheran Church in Fairfield.
Tributes
"I knew Darla from Danville HS. I graduated in 1968. Even though she was a year younger, I remember her as always happy and a lovely person. My thoughts and prayers to the family and friends."
"Darla was a long lost friend I've been trying to locate for years. We lost touch when she moved in 2001. I was saddened to found out, only today, she had passed. She was always kind, and loved her son with all of her heart. May God give peace to her family."
"To all of Darla's family, I am so sorry we have lost her. As kids, I loved her laughter, her sweetness and her twinkling brown eyes. We last saw her at the church Ice Cream Social two years ago and she was still the sweet, smiling cousin I remember. She will be missed. May God grant peace and comfort to all who loved her. "
"My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. I know the Lord will take away your pain and leave the wonderful memories you each have of your wife and mother."
"When Darla came to school in Danville, my world became richer. I will always remember her smile, her amazing sense of humor and her joy of life. She gave me so many fond memories that I will cherish always. My thoughts and prayers go out to all her family and friends. "
"Dear Mike, So sorry to hear about Darla's death. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Take care, Jill Rossiter & Denny Lamport"
"Many fond memories of growing up with Darla in Prairie Grove. Our sympathy to Gary and Rita and all of the family."
"Gary and Rita, I so sorry to read this article about your sister/sister-in-law. My deepest sympathy for the loss to your family. God Bless."