Marcena was Born in Woodburn, Oregon to Alice Reta Ratigan and Clarence Wallace Dean Johnson. 

She was preceded in death by her daughter Sonia Stringer and her husband Robert (Bo) Thompson.

She is survived by daughters August (Paul) Garcia, Rachel (Tim) Gibbs, Marcena Flynn, Dawnmar Upchurch and a son Ysrael Castillo.

She has 13 grandchildren, Rebekah (Chase), Aaron (Chantel), Alex (Natalie), Michele (Jason), Robert (Shannon), Kalin, Megan (Alex). Ella, Logan R. Logan, Landon, Lukeas and Juliette.

She also has 9 great grandchildren, Violet, Riley, Cora Jaxon, Kane, Julia (Juju) Scarlett, Jade, and Dominic. 

Marcena was a spitfire, red headed gypsy, always on the move. She held many jobs, starting as a candy stripe nurse, stenographer, physical therapist, secretary, owned a restaurant, School bus driver and Japanese Airforce. She gardened, raised animals, was involved with genecology, and weaving until the end. Her biggest and most memorable achievement is the care and love she gave. She always fought hard for those she loved right or wrong, it always came from her heart. 

We would also acknowledge extended family and friends, brother Gerry Johnson, nieces Kristie Lee Johnson and Wendy Myers, sons-in-law Tullio Cardone, Billy Mahan. Daughter-in law- Nicole DuPlanty, Linda and Dimitri, Jason and Marty, Emma Rose and Melissa, Her best friends for over 40 years, Angie Williams and Dorothy Maya, also newer friends Susan Jewel, Tim Jenkins and Areceli Berry. You were always in contact with her and visited when you could, and we thank you!

Marcena passed away Comfortably at home in Las Cruces, NM surrounded by her caregivers August, Paul, Rebekah, Aaron, Chantel, Natalie, Dorothy, Some of her great grandchildren, her dog Rascal, and her cat Rosie. 

Arrangements by Getz Funeral Home, 1410 E. Bowman Ave. Las Cruces, NM 88001. Please visit www.getzcares.com to sign the local online guest book.