Funeral services for Vivian Norma Johnson, 96 of Lawrence, KS will be 11 am, Saturday, August 15, 2015, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home and burial will follow at Washington Creek Cemetery, Douglas County.
Mrs. Johnson died Sunday August 9, 2015, at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living.
She was born December 12, 1918, in rural Douglas County, the daughter of Robert Lee and Eva Martha (Flory) Markley. Her childhood was spent in Colorado, western Kansas, California, as well as Douglas County, attending eight different schools and graduating from Liberty Memorial High School in Lawrence in 1937. She was baptized into the Lone Star Church of the Brethren in 1947. Vivian volunteered as a cooking leader for the Lone Star 4-H club and taught Sunday school. She worked in Lawrence at Hallmark Cards, Woolworths, and B.F Goodrich for many years. Vivian also worked at M and M Office Supply for 24 years before finally retiring.
Vivian and her husband Frank were members of 5 Lawrence Square Dance Clubs and square danced for 30 years serving as President and many other duties in the clubs. Besides her love of square dancing she enjoyed biking, hiking, traveling and writing poetry. She was a member of the International 1918 Birthday Club from 1969 to 2004 and also a member of the Lawrence “No Name Club” and a square dance Friends Club for many years.
She married Frank Johnson in June of 1938. He preceded her in death in July of 1991. She is also preceded in death by a brother, Merle Lee in 1925 and sister, Yvonne Markley in 1993 and sister, Lila McMillen in 2011.
Survivors include two sons, Jim Johnson (wife Etha) of Lone Star and Robert Johnson (wife Fran) of Lawrence and one daughter, Cheryl Durrant (husband Jerry) of California and one sister, Flora Ott of Lawrence, 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Vivian’s family would like to thank Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living for the loving care and attention they gave to her over the last two years. They were greatly appreciated for everything they did.
Friends may call from 8 am to 8 pm, Friday, at the funeral home where the family will receive them from 6:30-7:30.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lone Star Church of the Brethren or Visiting Nurses sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
Thoughts & prayers are with you, I remember her smile from when my parents used to play cards with Vivian & Frank & us kids played in the front room and outside. My condolences.
I am sad to hear of Vivian’s passing but know she is out of the pain she was suffering. She was a great mother and grandmother and shared a life with Frank that was filled with memories. She loved the square dances and they traveled all over to attend. She and Frank were almost inseparable. Love & prayers to the family.
Aunt Vivian – so full of life and love and laughter. The bright light that you brought with you will be sorely missed!!! When I think of my Aunt Viv I always think of her eagerness to take a walk after we shared a family meal, her contagious smile, her wonderful poems and the love that oozed out of her for Frank and her family. Frank and her love is indeed a forever love; and the always proud-ful way she spoke of her kids and grandkids was endearing. When I visited her at Pioneer Ridge earlier this year although a much more fragile and less energetic Vivian….there was still that smile!! I am so sorry for your loss. And Aunt Viv – while you are brightening up heaven know that we miss you and thank you for all the joy you brought to others!!
Vivian will always be remembered with that beautiful smile that she always had-never saw her without it except for when Frank passed. I remember seeing them sit side by side driving in town–they were forever in love. I remember when she dances the Macarena at my wedding–she was 78 at that time I believe!! Several years have passed since I last saw Vivian-unfortunately time goes by and gets away from us–but I have so many fond memories that I have and we can all share for years to come. My condolences to all of you-she was a wonderful mother, aunt and just all around good ole gal!!!
I am going to miss my Aunt Vivian. She was ornery, fun loving, and always had a smile on her face! I know that she is happy to be reunited with Frank, the love of her life! I expect that they are square dancing in heaven as I write this! Although we will all miss you, we know that you are in a better place and free of all your pain and discomfort. Until we meet up again someday, behave yourself and thank you for being such a wonderful and fun aunt. I love you and will miss you.
My Grandma was an awesome lady who’s spirited fun made everyone around her smile. I am so honored to of been able to sit with her the past two weeks and I will so miss her. She is finally reunited with my Grandad and all her other loved ones. I love you so much Grandma.
AND she was a great Great Grandmother!
So sorry to hear of Vivian’s passing. She was a great Mother & Grandmother.
Prayers for the family,
Maelyne