Marlys V. Johnson, 96

Marlys V. Johnson, 96, formerly of Lyle, Minnesota, died Monday, March 30, 2015, at Sacred Heart Care Center, Austin.

Marlys Verdell Richardson was born on Aug. 12, 1918, in Lyle, Minnesota, to Hans and Anna (Olswold) Richardson. She graduated from Lyle High School in 1935 at the age of 16, as she had skipped a grade in school. She was valedictorian of her class. After graduation she worked for her uncle, John Hanson, at Hanson’s Department Store in Lyle.

On Jan. 14, 1940, she was united in marriage to Webster Johnson. They had seven children and were married for 63 years before Webster passed away. Marlys was a lifelong member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Lyle where she was baptized, confirmed, and married. She was active in her church circle and WELCA and sang in the church choir for over 50 years. Marlys was also a member of the Lyle Senior Citizens and the Lyle Study Club. She enjoyed music, and in her younger years she sang solos and duets with her sister Opal. While at Sacred Heart, Marlys enjoyed the game of “Name That Tune.” There were very few songs that she didn’t know. After taking only 14 piano lessons she was able to play many songs. Marlys enjoyed playing cards, watching sporting events — especially basketball, sewing and making quilts with the ladies at church, and spending time with her family. She was a kind and loving mother and an excellent cook. Some of her specialties were Swiss steak, homemade bread and rolls, and graham cracker cream pies. She raised a big garden and did a lot of canning produce. She also enjoyed traveling, spending 15 winters with her husband in McAllen, Texas.

Marlys is survived by her daughters: Judy (Donald) Ransom of Austin, Minnesota, and Jackie (Dennis) Miller of Mankato, Minnesota; sons: John (Darlene) Johnson of Lyle, Minnesota, Roger (Mary Ann) Johnson of West St. Paul, Minnesota, Douglas (Jane) Johnson of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, Jerry (JoAnn) Johnson of Corcoran, Minnesota; 14 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; her brother Lloyd Richardson of Austin; other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Hans and Anna Richardson; her husband Webster; her son Robert; daughter-in-law Dolly; sisters: Phyllis, Opal, and Norma; brother Maurice; step-brother Orwin; and step-sister Hazel.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 6, 2015, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Lyle, Minnesota, with the Rev. Ronald Myers officiating. Visitation will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church immediately preceding the service. Interment will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Mona, Iowa. Memorials may be made to Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Pleasant Hill Cemetery or donor’s choice. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online atwww.worlein.com. Blessed be her memory.