Lois M. Johnson, age 92, of New Rockford, ND, died Thursday, December 8, 2016, at her home in Apache Junction, Arizona.

Lois Marjorie Reeves was born on February 18, 1924, in Harvey, ND.  She was the youngest of 6 children born to her parents, Daniel Foster and Anna Marie (Theige) Reeves. Lois grew up in Harvey until her sophomore year (1941) when she and her parents moved to Warwick, ND. Her Dad’s nephew, Archie Campbell, asked them to move to the Campbell Ranch. Lois was not able to finish her schooling but she received her GED, in 1984, at the age of 60!  While living at the ranch, she met her true love, James H. Johnson.  Archie and Jessie Campbell had taken her to a house party, at Maynard and Frances Brown’s home where they met. Lois and Jim were engaged in May, 1943, and were married on August 21, 1943, at the parsonage of First Congregational Church, New Rockford.  In addition to raising her family, she had helped Jim operate, “Jim’s City Service” for a number of years.  When Jim passed away on October 12, 1996, she decided she wanted to move to warmer temps for the winter. Since December of 1997, she has lived 9 months a year in Apache Junction, AZ. 

Lois was a member of Order of Eastern Star, and held dual membership in Ionic Chapter #39, New Rockford for 58 years, and Apache Star #42, Mesa, AZ, for 16 years.  She held many state and local offices, including serving as Worthy Matron for over 10 years, and most recently as a Grand Representative.   She also received her Grand Cross of Colors from the Order of Rainbow Girls. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, Royal Neighbors, “Homemakers,” Women’s Fellowship and First Congregational Church, and was Past President of the Eagles Auxiliary, all of New Rockford. Lois enjoyed bowling and was on 3 different leagues, playing billiards, and many kinds of card games. Lois has volunteered numerous hours at a variety of places such as Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd, Election Board, the “soup kitchen” in AZ, and Eddy County Senior Center.  While in Arizona, she volunteered in the activity dept, post office, at bingo night and steak night at Sunrise RV Resort.

Lois is survived by two daughters Ruth “Dolly” (Richard) Dellos, Worland, WY, Sandi Lies, New Rockford;  six sons Jim (Cindy), New Rockford, Raymond (Pegs), Carrington, ND, Danny (Dorenda), Gwinner, Kevin, New Rockford, Kim, New Rockford and Craig (Lisa), Valley City, ND; 16 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, two nephews, one sister-in-law, Marilyn Johnson, and some cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, her parents, her two brothers, three sisters, and one grandson Ray, and one great granddaughter Aylah.

PRAYER SERVICE:

Thursday (Dec 15th) at 7PM in Evans Funeral Home, New Rockford

FUNERAL SERVICE:

First Lutheran Church, New Rockford, ND

DATE AND TIME:

Friday, December 16, 2016 at 2:00PM

BURIAL:

Prairie Home Cemetery, New Rockford