Oreta Laverne Johnson

Reta L. Johnson, 94, of Monroe, WA, earned her wings and joined her husband, Alve on November 1, 2016. Reta was born in Cochran, GA on December 19, 1921, to Albert A. and Mamie E. Jones (Cook). She and Alve met while she was a switchboard operator and he was in flight navigation training at Middle Georgia College. They married on August 30, 1944, and Reta joined Alve in Washington State on October 7, 1944, after Alve was honorably discharged from the military. Reta worked at Valley General Hospital for approximately 28 years before retiring in 1994. Reta didn't have many interests outside of her family. She was a loving wife and a nurturing mother and grandmother. Reta was preceded in death by her parents and four brothers; husband, Alve Johnson; granddaughter, Tracy Munson; son and daughter-in-law, Stephen "Kim" and Deborah Johnson; and great granddaughter, Addison Jean Johnson. She leaves behind her children, Dennis (Socorro); Thomas "Kip"; Dana (Delia); Eadye (Bob) Martinson; Jaynee (James) Johnson-Woodward; Derrel (Lynn); and Lance Johnson. She also leaves behind 28 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Edna Braa; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews in Washington State, Georgia, and the East Coast. Reta loved unconditionally and would never turn away any family member in need. She loved well and is so very well-loved and will be sorely missed by all. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 13, 2016, 1:00 p.m., at Purdy and Kerr with Dawson, located at 409 West Main Street, Monroe, WA. Viewing will be on Saturday, November 12, 2016, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Following graveside services at the IOOF Cemetery, a catered reception will be held at the IOOF Hall, located at 610 South Lewis Street, Monroe.