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Rita Johnson
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Rita Johnson, age 84, of New Rockford, ND, died Thursday, January 08, 2015 at Carrington Health Center, Carrington, ND. Rita Rae Moe was born April 9, 1930, in Babcock, WI, the fourth daughter of Melvin and Hazel (Stebbins) Moe. She attended school there through the fourth grade until 1939, while her father owned a grocery store in Babcock. In 1940, her parents purchased a cranberry marsh near Warrens, WI. The harvest season was a busy time for the family, including boarding many friends who came to help. As a fifth grader she attended school in Nekoosa, WI, until her graduation in 1947. In 1947-1949, she attended Mankato State University, Mankato, MN. From 1949-1951, she attended La Crosse State University in La Crosse, WI, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Elementary Education. She taught for 12 years in Wisconsin, in which 8 of those years were in Tomah, WI. In 1968, Rita and her daughter Jeanne came to New Rockford to teach. She taught in New Rockford for 24 years, and during that time she had varied grades from First - Fourth but she enjoyed First Grade the most. In 1992, she retired with many fond memories. Her greatest joy was her great-grandchildren! She never missed an activity they participated in. She truly loved supporting them during their rodeos, volleyball matches, t-ball games, summertime swimming, and any other activities. Rita was survived by her daughter Jeanne Johnson, New Rockford; 2 granddaughters raised as daughters, Jennifer Miller of McHenry, ND and Alaina (Mike) Yri, New Rockford; also her 8 great-grandchildren Hunter, Hailey, Mackenzie, Ryleigh, Kodie, Lucas, Alivia, and Bryce. She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 sisters Nevis, Mildred, and Bonnie.
FUNERAL SERVICE: Evangelical Free Church, New Rockford DATE AND TIME: Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 11:00AM BURIAL: Prairie Home Cemetery, New Rockford Spring of 2015 |
Posted Condolences:
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Name: Shannon Ehlers (Mehlhoff)
Date: 02/01/2015
Message: Jeannie and family So sorry to hear of your loss. I remember school days with Mrs. Johnson and her kindness, sense of humor and high expectations - I have thought of her often throughout the years. May your memories bring you comfort in this difficult time. God Bless
Shannon
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Name: Leslie Rector
Date: 1/12/15
Message: Jeannie and family, please accept Scott's and my sincere condolences in the loss of Aunt Rita. She was such a nice lady. I have a vivid memory of her playing cards with her 3 sisters around the kitchen table at Grandma Hazel's house on a relaxed summer afternoon; the sun was shining through the bank of windows, and there was a lot of laughter going around. The cousins were running through the kitchen in their pursuit of fun together, the men were probably outside on the lawn and made a brief appearance on occasion. Aunt Nevis, Uncle Harvey and Jon and Sara (Mimi wasn't born yet) were visiting from Minot. (You weren't born yet either, Jeannie). Anyway, it's a really nice memory that pops up with Aunt Rita's name; that's a nice legacy.
Laughter was an attribute of Aunt Rita's. Pretty much anytime I saw her she was either smiling or laughing. She was a fun aunt, and I know a loving, nurturing mother and grandmother, and will be remembered fondly.
With kindest regards,
Leslie & Scott
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