Donna Rosalee (Hodges) Johnson

Donna Rosalee Johnson, 89, longtime Brule and Ogallala resident, died Thursday, September 28, 2017 in the Ogallala Community Hospital.

Donna was born April 4, 1928 in Arkansas City, KS, the daughter of Burl & Adelia (Hodges) Gillaspie.  Donna's family history was traced back to the beginning of our nation and she was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Donna attended and graduated from Kenesaw Nebraska High School in 1946.  She then attended Hastings college.

Donna sang and danced her way into Richard "Dick" Johnson's heart.  On October 15, 1949 they were united in marriage in Kenesaw and were smitten until the end.

Donna and Dick raised their five children on a farm near Brule creating a happy, loving home with days making ice cream and having water fights.  She had a way of turning chores into family time. Donna loved being active.  She drove a beet truck during the fall harvest and loved fishing with her husband throughout her life.  Donna always caught the first fish and usually the most.

Donna was also active in the community.  She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Brule where she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and was a member of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League for many years.  She volunteered in the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts and enjoyed league bowling.

The couple moved to Ogallala in 1991 after the kids were raised.  Donna enjoyed reading, gardening, and exploring new things.  She navigated the couple's way on their many trips around the country, seeing the world together.  Other hobbies included crocheting and making ceramics, continuing to sing all along the way.

Preceding her in death were her parents and brother Carroll and his wife Avis Gillaspie.

Survivors include her husband Richard "Dick" Johnson of Ogallala, their children: Jim Johnson of Omaha, Rod Johnson of Arvada, CO, Sandy Bay of Reunion, CO, Dale Johnson of Brule, and Barry Johnson of Seattle, WA; fifteen grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren.

The Visitation will be Sunday, October 1, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 in Draucker Funeral Home.  The Family will greet friends from 3:00  p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Funeral Service will be Monday, October 2, at 10:00 a.m. in the Brule St. John's Lutheran Church with Rev. Jon Dickmander officiating.  The Service will be live streamed for those unable to attend.
 

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