Virginia L. Johnson (1929-2007)

JOHNSON, OERTLEY, GRAY, CAVANAUGH

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 2/3/2008 at 10:23:21

THE STORY CITY HERALD, Story City, Story County, Iowa, Wednesday, April 4, 2007.

Virginia L. Johnson, age 77, of Colorado, formerly of Havelock, Iowa, passed away Monday, March 26, 2007, at her daughter's home in Henderson, Colorado. Funeral services were held Monday, April 2, 2007 at the Hope United Methodist Church in Havelock with Rev. Tim Cavanaugh officiating. Burial was at the Washington Cemetery near Havelock.

Virginia Lou Oertley was born July 30, 1929, near Havelock, the daughter of Floyd and Lula (Gray) Oertley. She was raised on her parent's farm near Havelock where she graduated in 1947. She went on to 'Cornell College in Mount Vernon, graduating in 1951. In 1953, Virginia married Harold Johnson of Havelock. Together they happily raised their family of five children on the Johnson family farm near Havelock. Virginia was active in the Hope United Methodist Church. She played the organ, taught Sunday School, and loved her involvement in the church women's club. As recorded in her Bible, Virginia accepted Christ as her personal savior on May 30, 1977 and was baptized as a testimony to her faith on Jan. 1, 1978 in Fairplay, Colorado with her husband and children joyfully looking on. Harold passed away in 2002. In the summer of 2003, Virginia moved to Henderson, Colorado where she spent the remainder of her days.

Virginia loved gardening. She was an avid reader, especially the Bible and books that built her relationship with Christ. Her contagious smiles, love for people and her undaunted optimism atrracted people to her and sustained her until her final moments. All who knew her will dearly miss her.

Survivors include her five children, Jay Johnson of Mesa, Arizona, Julie (Tim) Cavanaugh of Henderson, Colordado, Joel (Patti) Johnson of Story City, Jeff Johnson of Durango, Colorado, and Jan (Matt) of Gainsville, Florida; 26 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.