Vivian Ross Johnson

Vivian Frances Ross was born May 7, 1917 to Simon Peter and Maude Evans Ross, in the small rural town of Ravenwood, in northwest Missouri. Two younger brothers, Stanley and Sterling, followed. Vivian helped in her father's general store throughout her childhood. She attended nearby Maryville College (now NW Missouri State U), receiving a teaching certificate after two years, majoring in accounting. There she met her husband, William Orval Johnson, a local boy. Orval was a standout in basketball and had lead roles in the May Fete Gilbert and Sullivan musicals. Vivian and Orval were married in 1937. Orval became an athletic coach and teacher in high school in Clinton, MO.

During the war, Vivian worked in Norfolk, Virginia to be near her husband before he shipped out to the Pacific. Her brother Sterling, a naval fighter pilot, was lost in nighttime action off his aircraft carrier, the USS Savo Island, during the Battle off Samar, in Leyte Gulf, Philippines in October, 1944. Vivian’s father also passed away during the war, while her mother, Maude, lived to be 112 until her passing in 1992.

After the war, Vivian and Orval raised two children as Orval pursued coaching and teaching in various high schools and colleges, leading them eventually to California by 1960. There Vivian worked for many years as an office manager for car dealers. After Orval suddenly died in 1970, Vivian settled and worked in Santa Barbara. After retiring in 1983, she first began traveling the world with her friends. In 1997 she moved to Mt. Angel, Oregon to be closer to family. She continued her world travels however, noting that she had visited 33 countries. In 2012 she moved again to Beaverton, Oregon.

Vivian Ross Johnson died at age 98 on September 26, 2015 in her home. She died of old age (and a failing heart). She was preceded in death by her husband and her two brothers, Stanley and Sterling Ross. Vivian leaves her two children, Deborah Strandskov and Randall Johnson, and her grandson, Kai Strandskov of Seattle.

Vivian was a voracious reader, a tireless traveler, a dedicated bridge player, and a loyal correspondent. She made friends wherever she went and kept them for life.

Vivian did not choose to have a memorial service.

Flowers are not necessary; if you wish to give, donate to your favorite charity.