With a great zest for life and an eternally optimistic outlook, Lois Ann Johnson touched the lives of many during her 85 years. She loved and was loved by her husband, her children, her grandchildren, her family, her friends, and her former students.
She died on December 7, 2021 following a brief illness.
Lois was born in Nappanee, Indiana on October 2, 1936, the only child of Harold and Wilma Sechrist. Lois graduated from Nappanee High School in 1954, where she was Salutatorian of her class. She attended Indiana State University and graduated in 1958 with a degree in elementary education.
On December 8, 1958, she married Nils Hadden Johnson. During their 53-year marriage, they raised four children and thoroughly enjoyed their role as grandparents.
Lois was an elementary school teacher in both California and Indiana. She enjoyed a long career teaching at West Vigo Elementary School. She was instrumental in bringing New York City’s Metropolitan Opera’s “Creating Original Opera” program to WVES that produced four original operas for the school and community to enjoy.
Nothing brought Lois more pleasure than being surrounded by her family and friends. She loved a good party and warmly opened her home for countless celebrations. Food, family, friends, and fellowship were the main ingredient of her happy and fulfilling life.
Lois loved to cook, garden, travel, and sew. She loved history and travelling to historic places. She would insist on stopping at every historical marker along the route – fondly referred to by her children and grandchildren as “hysterical markers” due to her excitement upon spotting them. Road trips across the country were a staple with both her children and then her grandchildren.
Lois enjoyed all genres of music and was a daily listener of NPR. She was a voracious reader and kept a journal of her favorite words, peppering her conversations with them. Lois was an excellent flautist and played for pleasure late into her life. She loved going to the movies, especially during Oscar season.
Lois remained in close contact with childhood friends, the “Golden Girls” from Indiana State, the “Dirty Girls” and “Fab Five” from WVES, her former students, and countless other friends. She was particularly fond of her niece Leslie Johnson Valandingham and her husband David Valandingham. She spent the last twenty-one winters in Fort Walton Beach, Florida – truly, her second home. She was a dedicated mother, an active grandmother, a confidant to all, a true and loyal friend to many.
Lois was preceded in her death by her parents Harold and Wilma Sechrist, and by her husband Nils Hadden Johnson.
She is survived by her children Kris Johnson, Karl Johnson, Katie Kinsman, Kurt Johnson and his wife Laura Johnson. She is also survived by her five grandchildren: Taylor Kirk, Jacob Molho, Rachel Molho, Hadden Johnson, and Cooper Johnson. She was terribly fond of her grand-dogs, Mia, Bella, and Chase; and her grand-cat, Mitch.
Services are being held at Greiner Funeral Home (2005 North 13th Street, Terre Haute, Indiana) on Saturday, December 18. Visitation is from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM, with the service following at 2:00 PM. Masks will be required for the visitation and service. A light repast will be held following the service. The Reverend David Tyra will officiate the service.
Donations can be made to the Sheldon Swope Art Gallery (www.swope.org) or the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (www.nmcrs.org).
www.greinerfuneralhome.com
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