"Mrs. Johnson was a wonderful person. She had so many talents. We loved cleaning for her and Mr. Johnson in their townhouse. She gave really good advice and hugs. It was an honor and privilege to know her."
In loving memory of
Patricia Jean Larsen Johnson
March 17, 1930 - November 30, 2023
Patricia was born March 17, 1930, to Oscar William and Margaret Jean Cheyne Larsen in Ames, Iowa. After her father's death in 1932, she and her mother moved to Webster City to live with her grandparents.
Her formal education began in Lawn Hill School in Webster City. When she was in first grade she and her mother returned to Ames. She attended Beardshear and Roosevelt grade schools and Central and Welch Junior High Schools.
After graduation from Ames High School she enrolled at Iowa State College, graduating June 13, 1952, with a BS degree in Household Equipment, Home Economics. While Pat was a student at Iowa State, she became a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority where she held several offices. She was also a member of the Iowa State Concert Band.
June 15, 1952, she married Howard Paul Johnson. On July 1952 she was employed as an instructor in the Home Economics College at Iowa State for a year before they moved to Iowa City while Howard completed his academic studies.
Their three children were born in Ames--Cynthia Jean, Lynette Ann, and Malcolm Paul. All graduated from Ames High School and Iowa State University.
Pat was an active volunteer---assisting teachers in Ames in the lower grades by listening to children read, by being extra hands in day care and nursery groups. One year, while the family lived in Columbia, Missouri, Pat worked with young men in prison who were re-learning how to read as part of their preparation for reentry into the public schools when their prison sentences were completed.
When Pat realized that no history had been written about her fraternity chapter, Alpha Gamma Delta, Rho Chapter, she interviewed several older members of the chapter for information. This resulted in The History of Rho Chapter Alpha Gamma Delta 1919- 1992.
She found special pleasure in researching her families' history; especially enjoyed visiting record centers in the Shetlands where her family lived before immigrating. Records in county courthouses in this country were also searched for additional family information. This resulted in the writing of a book, My Shetland Family.
Pat was the longest tenured and active member of the First Baptist Church in Ames.
She is survived by her daughter Lynette and son Malcolm, grandchildren: Erica, Kristen, Benjamin, and Drew.
She is preceded in death by her husband Howard and her daughter, Cynthia.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 4, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church (200 Lynn Ave, Ames, Iowa 50014) with a visitation held from 10:00a.m. until the start of the service. Memorial donations may be directed to Northcrest and First Baptist Church in Pat's name.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com