Estellene Gibson Johnson (1889-1969)

JOHNSON, SLATER, BERGQUIST, MERRIHEW, BRUNSON, THOMPSON

Posted By: Gail and Dennis Bell
Date: 6/11/2005 at 21:11:02

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, Thursday, August 28, 1969, page 1, column 5. "ESTELLENE JOHNSON - Funeral services for Mrs. Estellene Johnson, 80, who passed away Aug. 20, 1969, in Riverside, Calif., were held on Saturday, Aug. 23 at 1:30 p.m. in the Maxwell Presbyterian Church with Rev. DeWitt Stauffer officiating. The organ music was furnished by Mrs. Madeline Summitt. In charge of the flowers were Helen John and Thelma Gale. Casket bearers were former neighbors, namely, Joe Birchmier, Everett Smith, Albert Lee Birchmier, Don and Verl Myers and Verlin Gale. Interment was in the Maxwell Cemetery. Mrs. Johnson is survived by two sons, Bruce Johnson of Dallas, Texas and William Johnson of Oak Park, Ill.; four daughters, Mrs. Eleanor Slater, St. Louis, Mo., Mrs. May Bergquist, Palmdale, Calif., Mrs. Virginia Merrihew, Riverside, Calif. and Mrs. Genevieve Brunson of Venice, Fla. One sister, Mrs. Helen Thompson of Des Moines; 16 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, one daughter, two sisters and one brother. Estellene Gibson Johnson was born March 10, 1889, in Washington, Iowa, the third of five children of Mary Helen and John C. Gibson. At the age of four, she moved with her family to Maxwell and later graduated from Maxwell High School. She attended Iowa State Teachers College at Cedar Falls and taught for several years in and around Maxwell. On June 10, 1914, she married Van Veneman Johnson of Maxwell. To this union were born seven children: Eleanor, Bruce, William Pershing, Amy, Virginia and Helen Genevieve. The youngest daughter, Marion, died in childhood. Estellene lived with her family on a large farm northeast of Maxwell until the death of her husband in 1941. She moved to Chicago in 1945 and for the last ten years had made her home in Riverside, California, where she was an active member of the Senior Citizens Club. She spent the last two years in a nursing home in Riverside and died at the age of 80, after suffering a broken hip in a fall. Her long life was dedicated to serving God and her fellowman. In her youth, her physical and spiritual beauty were much admired by her neighbors and friends. She was a devoted wife and mother, who imparted to her children her strong Christian faith. Each member of her ever-growing family constantly felt the touch of her generous and loving heart. Her love of music brought joy into the lives of those around her. Wherever she went, her quiet and unselfish ways brought her many devoted friends. Remembering her brings to mind the ancient proverb. (read Proverbs 31:10-31).” “CARD OF THANKS – We wish to take this opportunity to offer our sincere thanks and appreciation to all of the many friends who showed their love and respect in our time of sorrow for our dear mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and aunt, Mrs. Estellene Gibson Johnson. Special thanks to Rev. DeWitt Stauffer for his consoling words; Mrs. Madeline Summitt, organist; the ladies who served lunch and assisted at the church; the pallbearers; all who called at the funeral home or attended the service; and those who gave floral and memorial tributes. We will always cherish these kind deeds. The Bereaved Family.”