Laverne Roen Johnson

7/7/1930-8/17/2023

LaVerne was born July 7, 1930, in Modesto, California to Louis and Nora Roen. She was raised on a dairy farm near Waterford. She attended elementary school in Waterford and graduated from Oakdale High School in 1948 as a member of the Honor Society. After graduation, Mom attended Armstrong Business College in Oakland California, graduating in 1950. After graduation she worked briefly for an attorney which led her to a job at a title company in Oakland.

She remained there until she was married to Stanley N. Johnson on April 3, 1954. They made their home on a grain and cattle ranch north of Merced. They were married almost 48 years until his death. During this time, they raised four children. Mom returned to work after the youngest was in school working as an aide for Merced River School District at Hopeton Elementary School and the last few years at Washington Elementary School.

Mom was proud of her Norwegian Heritage and enjoyed visiting family, friends, and relatives, being at her children’s and grandchildren’s events, and in later years the writing class she attended at the Senior Center in Merced.

Mom was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Nora Roen, and husband Stanley N. Johnson, and grandchildren Aaron and Melissa Ann Johnson. She is survived by her Children Gary (Patti) Johnson, Craig (Maureen) Johnson, Ellen (Jeff) Ratzlaff, and Roger (Brenda) Johnson, six grandchildren Erik Johnson (Stephanie), Roen Johnson, Faith Johnson, Morgan Johnson, Tyler Ratzlaff, Anna Ratzlaff, and three great-grandchildren Stanley Johnson, Melissa Rose Johnson, and Torvi Johnson.

The family would like to thank Aimie Marchini Senior Home Health Care, Cogir Senior Living of Turlock, and Dr. Ghahramani in Turlock.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Merced County Courthouse Museum. 21st and N Street, Merced, California 95340.

Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Winton District Cemetery, 7651 Almond Avenue Winton, California.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratfordevansfunerals.com for the Johnson family.