Mary Ann Johnson was born December 30, 1923 to Charlie and Nannie  Anderton in Hawarden, Iowa.  She died November 3, 2008 in Sioux City, Iowa at the age of 84 years 10 months 4 days.

Mary Ann lived her entire life in the Alcester, SD area.  She attended Big Springs Rural School and graduated from Alcester High School in 1942.  She married the love of her life, Herbert Joel Johnson, October 22, 1943.  He died July 3, 2008.  They celebrated 64 years and eight months of marriage.

Mary Ann worked in Sioux City, IA while her husband was overseas in the European Theatre during World War II.  After serving his country, they started farming in rural Alcester.  Mary Ann worked at Otis Radio in Hawarden, Iowa for many years.  After their retirement, Mary Ann and Herb continued to live on the farm.  They took many trips, camped at Yankton, and spent several winters in Arizona and Texas.

Mary Ann was a member of the Big Springs Baptist Church where she served in many different capacities.  She was a member of the VFW Auxillary.  She loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping and fishing with her husband.  She treasured the love and time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Among those who survive and gratefully shared her life are his sons, Joel and his special friend, Carolyn of Hawarden, IA and Jerry and Cindy of rural Alcester, SD; six grandchildren, Jamie and Missy Johnson of LeMars, IA; Jeff and Julie Johnson of St. Louis, MO; Aaron Johnson of Yankton, SD; Aarika Johnson of Salt Lake City, UT; Andrew Johnson of Utah, and Brian Johnson of Alcester, SD; five great-grandchildren Alec, Emily and Ian Johnson of LeMars, IA and Will and Carson Johnson of St. Louis, MO.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband Herbert, parents, brother, Milford, sister, Jeanette, sister, Vernice, brother, Clifford.

Funeral services will be 10:00AM, Friday, November 7, 2008 at Big Springs Baptist Church, rural Alcester, with burial in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be Thursday from 2PM to 8PM with family present from 6PM to 8PM with a prayer service at 7PM at Wass Funeral Home in Alcester.