LeVila Johnson, 88, of Alcester, S.D., died Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014, at Morningside Manor, Alcester. She was born LeVila Elnora Olson on May 21, 1926 -- the fourth of nine children -- to Arthur C. and Cora A. (Ellefson) Olson at the rural Volin, S.D., family farm. As an infant, she was baptized at Trondhjem Lutheran Church, Volin, S.D., and during her early teen years confirmed her faith there. For the first eight grades of her education, she attended McFarland School, rural Volin. She graduated from Irene (S.D.) High School in 1944, and attended Southern State Teachers College in Springfield, S.D., to obtain a teaching certificate. After teaching for two years, first in rural Ravinia, S.D., and then rural Akron, Iowa, she studied nursing, graduating from the Sacred Heart School of Nursing, Yankton, S.D., in 1950. Also in 1950, LeVila married Melvin C. Johnson of Alcester on Aug. 12 at Nathanael Lutheran Church, where they remained faithful members for the rest of their lives. After their marriage, LeVila followed a nursing career until the couple had children at which time she became a stay-at-home Mom. When their three children - Mary, Kevin and Valerie -- were in school, LeVila was a member of the Morningside Manor staff. Later she became a cook at Alcester High School, retiring after 22 years of service. LeVila and Melvin celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 2000. Melvin passed away in January 2002. LeVila continued to be active in the community, spending countless hours as a volunteer at the Alcester Senior Citizens Center, at Nathanael Lutheran Church and as a member of the Alcester VFW Post 6149 auxiliary. She was a devoted member of the church's quilting group and of its mission circles. She truly enjoyed helping to turn out many quilts to keep people warm around the world. When her health began to deteriorate, LeVila became a resident of Morningside Manor in November 2013. She was loved by many, and was always happy to receive visitors no matter where she resided. LeVila is survived by her children: Mary Johnson and Valerie (Bill) Churchill of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Kevin Johnson of Alcester; four grandchildren: Joshua (Tara) of Luverne, MN., Jeremy (Melissa) Churchill and Joy Churchill, all of Sioux Falls, and Jennifer Churchill of Seattle; eight great-grandchildren: Mason, MaKaylee, Madisyn, Madden, Adrianna and Brielle Churchill, and Coralin and Bennett Scholl; two sisters, Cleone (Loren) Humpal of Rapid City, S.D., and Nelda (Dennis) Hultgren of Akron, Iowa; two brothers, Vernold (Dorothy) Olson of Akron, Iowa, and Larry (Betty) Olson of Sioux Falls; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides her husband and parents, LeVila was preceded in death by a great-grandson, Maddox Churchill; three sisters, Melinda Peterson, Arline Johnson and Rosella Richmond; a brother, Gaylerd Olson; and two nephews, John Peterson and Myron Johnson. Visitation will be 5-8PM Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014 at Nathanael Lutheran Church with the family present from 6-8 and a prayer service at 8PM. Funeral services will be at 2PM on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014 at Nathanael Lutheran Church in Alcester, with Pastor Kevin Jensen officiating. Burial will be in North Nathanael Cemetery. A memorial reception will be at the church following the services.