Katherine V. (Mears) Johnson died on March 10, 2012 at the Sanford Canton-Inwood Medical Center surrounded by her daughters and dear friends. Kay was born May 12, 1943 in Fayetteville, NC. She grew up in Sunnymead, CA and Reno, NV with parents Clifford and Frances Hymes. She enjoyed spending time at the beach and with friends. She graduated from High School in Okinawa, Japan where Cliff was stationed. Kay married Charles B. Johnson in Sparks, NV on December 30, 1965. Their life took them to Illinois, Montana and finally Gillette, WY where Kay spent almost 20 years. Kay had a variety of jobs throughout her life, but her favorite was being Mom. She enjoyed being an active and cherished member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, sewing, crocheting, being a Girl Scout leader, and supporting the activities of her three children, Melissa, Michele, and Melinda. Kay moved to Reno in 1991 to live near her parents, sisters and brother where she enjoyed sharing in family activities. She made her final move in 2004 to Viborg, SD where her oldest daughter lives and where she was active at Spring Valley Lutheran Church in Viborg. Kay made people smile and laugh no matter where she was! Kay spent the past several years in assisted living and nursing homes, and her last week in the hospital. Her family would like to share their appreciation for all the compassionate care givers that touched Mom's life! Kay is survived by her 3 daughters: Melissa/Missi (David) Johnson of Viborg, SD; Michele/Micki (Ed) Turbin of Warren, MI; and Mendi Johnson and husband Russ Bruns of Ladson, SC; and extended family of 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; father Clifford Hymes of Fernley, NV; brother Gene (Sandy) Hymes of Dayton, NV; 2 sisters, Dena (David) Delameter and children Sara, Lauren and Evan of Reno, NV; Tina (Tom) Gregorio and children Tom and Michael of Reno, NV. Kay was preceded in death by her mother, Frances (Matthews) Hymes. A prayer service will be held at Spring Valley Lutheran Church in Viborg, SD on Tuesday, March 20 at 7pm followed by coffee. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, March 21 at 10:30 am followed by a lunch. Kay will be laid to rest in August at MT. Pisgah Cemetery in Gillette, Wyoming near her dear friend Louise Evans. Donations will go toward Dementia Research and a memorial gift for each church. She will be missed by many!