Ione attended school in Rice Lake and a weekly Bible school. She was active in choir, girl’s glee club, school activities which included the lead in two plays. Her church was very important to her. She sang in the church choir, attended Sunday school, and Luther League.
Her mother died when she had just turned 18 and had graduated from high school. She moved in with Harold and Gladys Aamodt and worked at the Abramson Clothing Store in the office for 2-3 years.
Ione moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin and worked at the Eau Claire Citizens and Loan in the office. She sang in the choir at Grace Lutheran, taught Sunday School, and helped with Luther League.
On June 12, 1943 Ione exchanged wedding vows with Herbert Johnson at the Grace Lutheran Church of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Herbert and Ione were blessed with three daughters, Doris, Carmen and Gretchen. They were also blessed with eight grandchildren Kristin, Siri, Carrie, Christine, Cathy, Chris, Kyle and Kara and 10 great grandchildren Jenna, Emma, Jaiden, Kaitlyn, Dylan, Max, Madeline, Finley, Taylor and Landon.
Ione served as a pastor’s wife for over 40 years, working right along side Herbert. She was most known for her activity in the women’s organization, serving on the conference and synod boards. She had a deep love for seniors, so organized the Senior Fellowship group at Lemon Grove Lutheran Church always making sure everyone had a ride to the monthly meetings. She also started the monthly Birthday Bash club for seniors. She belonged to the 1918 club in the San Diego County area.
Ione was chosen to be on the Senior Resource Board at Grossmont Hospital. She served on the board for several years and volunteered with the Grossmont Hospital Auxiliary for many years.
Ione loved giving Bible studies. She received many cards and letters over the years thanking her for her Bible studies. She spent days and hours working and studying in preparation.
She also loved to cook, bake and entertain. In years past she would entertain the church staff with over 30 in attendance at a 4-5 course dinner. She served lunches for the Senior Fellowship group especially at Christmas; she had as many as 60 seniors at the house. In recent years she let down on her entertaining and cooking. Her 3 favorite words were: “Let’s eat out.”
Ione can best be remembered by her love for older people. Being an only child, her mother taught her to be kind to the elderly and speak up so they could always hear what was going on and being said. She loved to worship, to pray, to talk with her Lord on everything.
Her bout with cancer was a traumatic year. She wasn’t afraid. She put her life in the Lord’s hands and He spared her.
She spent the last 6 years living at the Good Samaritan Retirement Home in El Cajon, CA. Everyone loved her. She was always helping and looking out for others. She will be missed by many.
Ione passed away on January 17, 2012 at the Good Samaritan surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law Doris and Jon Hetrick, Carmen and Steve Berry & Gretchen and Ernie Tweet; 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grand children.
Viewing will be Thursday, January 26th, at Conrad Lemon Grove Mortuary (7387 Broadway - Lemon Grove, CA 91945) from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a private interment at Glen Abbey Memorial Park. The Celebration of a Christian Life is Saturday, January 28th, 11:00 a.m. at Lemon Grove Lutheran Church (2055 Skyline Drive - Lemon Grove, CA 91945). In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Good Samaritan Retirement Center (1515 Jamacha Way - El Cajon, CA 92019).
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