From her obituary
Maxine Mae Johnson Gary passed from her earthly life on August 29, 2007, at the Ottawa County Health Center in Minneapolis, at the age of 84 years, 6 months and 15 days.
Maxine was born February 15, 1923, as a 'Valentine gift' and the last of seven children to Thomas Jefferson and Addie Mae Taylor Ruehlen on their family farm in Rice County near Windom, Kansas. She attended McPherson public schools graduating from McPherson High School in 1940. Maxine attended McPherson College and graduated in 1944 as an English major with a lifetime teaching certificate.
On June 3, 1945, she and Richard V. Johnson were united in marriage in the First Methodist Church of McPherson. Their first home was on a farm near Salt Creek between Minneapolis and Ada. While living at this location their first three sons, Rick, Tom, and Brent, were born. From 1952-1957 they lived in Minneapolis, where they established their family home and farm. Their fourth son, Mark, was born in 1959. In 1983 they moved back to town. Richard died of long-term leukemia on November 28, 1994.
Maxine served as an educator for over 35 years in the Minneapolis schools. In 1944 she was hired for her first teaching position at Minneapolis High School, where over the next several years she taught English, Speech, Journalism, Drama, and Latin. After one year at Roosevelt-Lincoln Junior High in Salina, she returned to Minneapolis Junior High to teach English and Reading. Finally she taught Language Arts to 5th and 6th graders at the Elementary School. During her high school teaching years, she directed several class plays, coached the debate and forensics teams, and sponsored production of the yearbook and school newspaper. Maxine retired from USD 239 in 1987.
On October 12, 1997, Maxine and Richard 'Dick' Gary were united in marriage. They spend seven years and four months of loving companionship before Dick died on February 9, 2005.
Maxine was a dedicated mother of four sons, partner-helper to her farmer husband, educator to three generation of children in Minneapolis, and a committed Christian through her active involvement in the Minneapolis United Methodist Church. Besides her longtime church membership, she was a charter member of the local Quest Club, a member of PEO, and a former member of the Minneapolis Public Library Board and the McPherson College Alumni Board. She also served on the Youth Education Committee of the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts. One of her points of pride was the building of the new Minneapolis Public Library on the site of the old high school. She also loved tending her flower beds and gardens.
Other family members preceding her in death were her daughter-in-law Sharon 'Snuff' Johnson in 2005, her brothers Orville, Cecil, and Bill Ruehlen, and her sisters Hazel Stephenson, Nellie Krehbiel, and Alice Hodgson.
Survivors include her sons and their wives: Rick and Rita Johnson, Assaria; Tom and Saryl Johnson, Minneapolis; Brent and Joy Johnson, Minneapolis; and Mark Johnson, Salina. Other survivors include sisters-in-law Virginia Kelley, Minneapolis, and Norma Samuelson, Cokato, MN. She is also survived by nine Johnson grandchildren and their spouses, Jason and Tammy, Lori and Keith Blake, Anne, Addie, Katie, Brad and Sara, Cade, Brady, and Kelli; and three great grandchildren Madeline, Braxton, and Keaton Blake.
The funeral was Tuesday, September 4, 2007 at the First United Methodist Church in Minneapolis with Rev. Bob Smith officiating. Musicians were Gail Eckart and Lori Campbell. Casket bearers were Jason Johnson, BRad Johnson, Cade Johnson, Brady Johnson, Keith Blake and Ray Hodgson. Interment was in the Delphos Cemetery. Shields Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
Memorials are to Minneapolis United Methodist Church or Minneapolis Public Library.
Maxine Mae Johnson Gary passed from her earthly life on August 29, 2007, at the Ottawa County Health Center in Minneapolis, at the age of 84 years, 6 months and 15 days.
Maxine was born February 15, 1923, as a 'Valentine gift' and the last of seven children to Thomas Jefferson and Addie Mae Taylor Ruehlen on their family farm in Rice County near Windom, Kansas. She attended McPherson public schools graduating from McPherson High School in 1940. Maxine attended McPherson College and graduated in 1944 as an English major with a lifetime teaching certificate.
On June 3, 1945, she and Richard V. Johnson were united in marriage in the First Methodist Church of McPherson. Their first home was on a farm near Salt Creek between Minneapolis and Ada. While living at this location their first three sons, Rick, Tom, and Brent, were born. From 1952-1957 they lived in Minneapolis, where they established their family home and farm. Their fourth son, Mark, was born in 1959. In 1983 they moved back to town. Richard died of long-term leukemia on November 28, 1994.
Maxine served as an educator for over 35 years in the Minneapolis schools. In 1944 she was hired for her first teaching position at Minneapolis High School, where over the next several years she taught English, Speech, Journalism, Drama, and Latin. After one year at Roosevelt-Lincoln Junior High in Salina, she returned to Minneapolis Junior High to teach English and Reading. Finally she taught Language Arts to 5th and 6th graders at the Elementary School. During her high school teaching years, she directed several class plays, coached the debate and forensics teams, and sponsored production of the yearbook and school newspaper. Maxine retired from USD 239 in 1987.
On October 12, 1997, Maxine and Richard 'Dick' Gary were united in marriage. They spend seven years and four months of loving companionship before Dick died on February 9, 2005.
Maxine was a dedicated mother of four sons, partner-helper to her farmer husband, educator to three generation of children in Minneapolis, and a committed Christian through her active involvement in the Minneapolis United Methodist Church. Besides her longtime church membership, she was a charter member of the local Quest Club, a member of PEO, and a former member of the Minneapolis Public Library Board and the McPherson College Alumni Board. She also served on the Youth Education Committee of the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts. One of her points of pride was the building of the new Minneapolis Public Library on the site of the old high school. She also loved tending her flower beds and gardens.
Other family members preceding her in death were her daughter-in-law Sharon 'Snuff' Johnson in 2005, her brothers Orville, Cecil, and Bill Ruehlen, and her sisters Hazel Stephenson, Nellie Krehbiel, and Alice Hodgson.
Survivors include her sons and their wives: Rick and Rita Johnson, Assaria; Tom and Saryl Johnson, Minneapolis; Brent and Joy Johnson, Minneapolis; and Mark Johnson, Salina. Other survivors include sisters-in-law Virginia Kelley, Minneapolis, and Norma Samuelson, Cokato, MN. She is also survived by nine Johnson grandchildren and their spouses, Jason and Tammy, Lori and Keith Blake, Anne, Addie, Katie, Brad and Sara, Cade, Brady, and Kelli; and three great grandchildren Madeline, Braxton, and Keaton Blake.
The funeral was Tuesday, September 4, 2007 at the First United Methodist Church in Minneapolis with Rev. Bob Smith officiating. Musicians were Gail Eckart and Lori Campbell. Casket bearers were Jason Johnson, BRad Johnson, Cade Johnson, Brady Johnson, Keith Blake and Ray Hodgson. Interment was in the Delphos Cemetery. Shields Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
Memorials are to Minneapolis United Methodist Church or Minneapolis Public Library.
From her obituary
Maxine Mae Johnson Gary passed from her earthly life on August 29, 2007, at the Ottawa County Health Center in Minneapolis, at the age of 84 years, 6 months and 15 days.
Maxine was born February 15, 1923, as a 'Valentine gift' and the last of seven children to Thomas Jefferson and Addie Mae Taylor Ruehlen on their family farm in Rice County near Windom, Kansas. She attended McPherson public schools graduating from McPherson High School in 1940. Maxine attended McPherson College and graduated in 1944 as an English major with a lifetime teaching certificate.
On June 3, 1945, she and Richard V. Johnson were united in marriage in the First Methodist Church of McPherson. Their first home was on a farm near Salt Creek between Minneapolis and Ada. While living at this location their first three sons, Rick, Tom, and Brent, were born. From 1952-1957 they lived in Minneapolis, where they established their family home and farm. Their fourth son, Mark, was born in 1959. In 1983 they moved back to town. Richard died of long-term leukemia on November 28, 1994.
Maxine served as an educator for over 35 years in the Minneapolis schools. In 1944 she was hired for her first teaching position at Minneapolis High School, where over the next several years she taught English, Speech, Journalism, Drama, and Latin. After one year at Roosevelt-Lincoln Junior High in Salina, she returned to Minneapolis Junior High to teach English and Reading. Finally she taught Language Arts to 5th and 6th graders at the Elementary School. During her high school teaching years, she directed several class plays, coached the debate and forensics teams, and sponsored production of the yearbook and school newspaper. Maxine retired from USD 239 in 1987.
On October 12, 1997, Maxine and Richard 'Dick' Gary were united in marriage. They spend seven years and four months of loving companionship before Dick died on February 9, 2005.
Maxine was a dedicated mother of four sons, partner-helper to her farmer husband, educator to three generation of children in Minneapolis, and a committed Christian through her active involvement in the Minneapolis United Methodist Church. Besides her longtime church membership, she was a charter member of the local Quest Club, a member of PEO, and a former member of the Minneapolis Public Library Board and the McPherson College Alumni Board. She also served on the Youth Education Committee of the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts. One of her points of pride was the building of the new Minneapolis Public Library on the site of the old high school. She also loved tending her flower beds and gardens.
Other family members preceding her in death were her daughter-in-law Sharon 'Snuff' Johnson in 2005, her brothers Orville, Cecil, and Bill Ruehlen, and her sisters Hazel Stephenson, Nellie Krehbiel, and Alice Hodgson.
Survivors include her sons and their wives: Rick and Rita Johnson, Assaria; Tom and Saryl Johnson, Minneapolis; Brent and Joy Johnson, Minneapolis; and Mark Johnson, Salina. Other survivors include sisters-in-law Virginia Kelley, Minneapolis, and Norma Samuelson, Cokato, MN. She is also survived by nine Johnson grandchildren and their spouses, Jason and Tammy, Lori and Keith Blake, Anne, Addie, Katie, Brad and Sara, Cade, Brady, and Kelli; and three great grandchildren Madeline, Braxton, and Keaton Blake.
The funeral was Tuesday, September 4, 2007 at the First United Methodist Church in Minneapolis with Rev. Bob Smith officiating. Musicians were Gail Eckart and Lori Campbell. Casket bearers were Jason Johnson, BRad Johnson, Cade Johnson, Brady Johnson, Keith Blake and Ray Hodgson. Interment was in the Delphos Cemetery. Shields Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
Memorials are to Minneapolis United Methodist Church or Minneapolis Public Library.
Maxine Mae Johnson Gary passed from her earthly life on August 29, 2007, at the Ottawa County Health Center in Minneapolis, at the age of 84 years, 6 months and 15 days.
Maxine was born February 15, 1923, as a 'Valentine gift' and the last of seven children to Thomas Jefferson and Addie Mae Taylor Ruehlen on their family farm in Rice County near Windom, Kansas. She attended McPherson public schools graduating from McPherson High School in 1940. Maxine attended McPherson College and graduated in 1944 as an English major with a lifetime teaching certificate.
On June 3, 1945, she and Richard V. Johnson were united in marriage in the First Methodist Church of McPherson. Their first home was on a farm near Salt Creek between Minneapolis and Ada. While living at this location their first three sons, Rick, Tom, and Brent, were born. From 1952-1957 they lived in Minneapolis, where they established their family home and farm. Their fourth son, Mark, was born in 1959. In 1983 they moved back to town. Richard died of long-term leukemia on November 28, 1994.
Maxine served as an educator for over 35 years in the Minneapolis schools. In 1944 she was hired for her first teaching position at Minneapolis High School, where over the next several years she taught English, Speech, Journalism, Drama, and Latin. After one year at Roosevelt-Lincoln Junior High in Salina, she returned to Minneapolis Junior High to teach English and Reading. Finally she taught Language Arts to 5th and 6th graders at the Elementary School. During her high school teaching years, she directed several class plays, coached the debate and forensics teams, and sponsored production of the yearbook and school newspaper. Maxine retired from USD 239 in 1987.
On October 12, 1997, Maxine and Richard 'Dick' Gary were united in marriage. They spend seven years and four months of loving companionship before Dick died on February 9, 2005.
Maxine was a dedicated mother of four sons, partner-helper to her farmer husband, educator to three generation of children in Minneapolis, and a committed Christian through her active involvement in the Minneapolis United Methodist Church. Besides her longtime church membership, she was a charter member of the local Quest Club, a member of PEO, and a former member of the Minneapolis Public Library Board and the McPherson College Alumni Board. She also served on the Youth Education Committee of the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts. One of her points of pride was the building of the new Minneapolis Public Library on the site of the old high school. She also loved tending her flower beds and gardens.
Other family members preceding her in death were her daughter-in-law Sharon 'Snuff' Johnson in 2005, her brothers Orville, Cecil, and Bill Ruehlen, and her sisters Hazel Stephenson, Nellie Krehbiel, and Alice Hodgson.
Survivors include her sons and their wives: Rick and Rita Johnson, Assaria; Tom and Saryl Johnson, Minneapolis; Brent and Joy Johnson, Minneapolis; and Mark Johnson, Salina. Other survivors include sisters-in-law Virginia Kelley, Minneapolis, and Norma Samuelson, Cokato, MN. She is also survived by nine Johnson grandchildren and their spouses, Jason and Tammy, Lori and Keith Blake, Anne, Addie, Katie, Brad and Sara, Cade, Brady, and Kelli; and three great grandchildren Madeline, Braxton, and Keaton Blake.
The funeral was Tuesday, September 4, 2007 at the First United Methodist Church in Minneapolis with Rev. Bob Smith officiating. Musicians were Gail Eckart and Lori Campbell. Casket bearers were Jason Johnson, BRad Johnson, Cade Johnson, Brady Johnson, Keith Blake and Ray Hodgson. Interment was in the Delphos Cemetery. Shields Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
Memorials are to Minneapolis United Methodist Church or Minneapolis Public Library.
Family Members
Siblings
Children
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
See more Johnson Gary or Ruehlen memorials in:
- Delphos Cemetery Johnson Gary or Ruehlen
- Delphos Johnson Gary or Ruehlen
- Ottawa County Johnson Gary or Ruehlen
- Kansas Johnson Gary or Ruehlen
- USA Johnson Gary or Ruehlen
- Find a Grave Johnson Gary or Ruehlen
Advertisement
