Marlene Vandegriffe Johnson, 90, of McDonald, Kan., formerly of Owensville, passed away Friday, June 11, 2021, at Wheat Haven Home in McDonald, Kan., with her daughters by her side.
Marlene was the fifth of seven children born to John Alonzo and Edna Pearl Vandegriffe in Owensville on March 16, 1931. She grew up on the family farm with three brothers and three sisters. She attended Morgan School and after moving to McDonald, Kan., later received her GED from Colby Community College.
On March 20, 1948 she and Raymond L. Johnson were married in Atwood, Kansas. To this union, a son, David Ray, and two daughters, Dixie Annette and Connie Jean were born. Marlene enjoyed being a loving mother and homemaker. She loved children, and for many years did babysitting for children of school teachers. The children loved the cookies she always had ready for snacks. Many times she assisted Ray with the janitorial duties at McDonald Grade School, where he was employed for many years. When her daughters were in their last years of high school, she was employed by The Peoples State Bank in McDonald. She was trained to operate the first computer system used by the bank, and enjoyed her years serving as teller, bookkeeper, computer operator, and Assistant Vice President during her 28 years of employment there.
Marlene loved to share her favorite Scriptures: John 3:16 (her birth month and day) “For God so loved the world, He gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” and Acts 16:31 (her birth day and year) “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved, you and your household.” She believed in the Lord Jesus as her Savior, was baptised and a member of McDonald Federated Church where she taught the pre-school Sunday School class for 45 years. She enjoyed being an AWANA Cubbies leader and Wednesday evening Bible study. Quilting at the church on Thursday afternoon was a special time of fellowship with friends. She also served as Ladies Guild President for several years. She was active in many community activities including MAD Committee, Senior Citizens, Town and Country Garden Club, and enjoyed growing flowers and vegetables and helping mow the lawn. Having her family together was the most special time of all, when she could cook their favorite meals which included homemade chocolate cake with fudge frosting, and angel food cake. She loved baking cookies and grandchildren have fond memories of watching them bake through the window in the oven door.
She was preceded in death by parents, John and Edna; husband, Ray; son, Dave; son-in-law, Ted Bethell; brothers, Roy, George, and Ray Vandegriffe; sisters, Avonell Biles and Iva Fritsch.
She is survived by daughters, Dixie Bethell of McCook, Neb., Connie Sabatka and husband Brian of McDonald, Kan.; daughter-in-law, Liz Johnson of Moundridge, Kan.; sister, Audry McKinney of Owensville; sister-in-law, Eleanor Vandegriffe of Gladstone, Ore.; brother-in-law, Robert Johnson and wife Helen, sister-in-law, Lois Johnson Morelock, all of McDonald, Kan.; grandchildren, Brent Johnson and wife Stephanie, Deanna Johnson and husband Mike Halbert, all of Aurora, Colo., Jeremy Johnson, Megan Johnson Hill both of Moundridge, Kan., Tara Lesiak and husband Terry of Clarks, Neb., Clint Bethell, Blake Bethell and wife Jodi, all of McCook, Neb., Tish Loker of Farmington, Mo., Carrie Magnani and husband Ray, Brandon Sabatka and wife Samantha, ail of Colby, Kan., Dana Howard and husband Chris of Bird City, Kan., 25 great grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
Only two days before her passing, a dear friend commented on her beautiful smile that morning. She replied, “We always have something to be grateful for!” Even then, she was still teaching us by her shining example. We Love you and will miss you dearly.
Funeral Services were held June15, at the Federated Church in McDonald, Kan., with Pastor Mark Adams officiating. Interment followed in Grace Cemetery in McDonald, Kan.
