Diana “Dee” Ruth Johnson, 78, of Danville, died Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Medical Center Downtown, Iowa City. She was born January 13, 1947 in Kansas City, Mo. to Harold Bamford and Virginia Ruth Snelson, and raised by her mother and adoptive father Charles McCabe.
She attended grade school in Kansas City and high school in Danville, where she graduated in 1967. She attended Lincoln Christian College in Lincoln, Illinois for 1 year. On July 26, 1968, she married Wayne Johnson in Middletown, Iowa; then later that same day in Henry County!
Dee worked at F&M Bank, Kirlin’s, Hobby Lobby, the Christian Bookstore, the Kum & Go in Middletown, housekeeping at the post office in Danville and cleaned the West Burlington Christian Church and sold Avon. She attended West Burlington Christian Church, and later became a member of the New London Christian Church, she was in several BSF Bible Study groups between New London, Mt. Pleasant and Iowa City
She was a member of the Danville Lion’s Club, The Moose in Burlington, and the Red Hat Society and volunteered at Old Threshers main ground and campground for over 50 years. She and Wayne enjoyed many camping trips over the years. She was a collector of Angels, Precious Moments, teapots, and anything Disney. She loved to crochet and was an avid reader of Christian novels and devotionals. She loved snow and everything Christmas. We learned very early Christmas presents were never opened until the Christmas Story from Luke was read.
Dee was always encouraging and loved to hug everyone. She attended all of her children’s events as a chaperone or spectator. She was a devoted wife, mom, gram Dee and known as “even better gram Dee” to her great grandkids. She saved and made copies of EVERYTHING she liked on Facebook so she could share with her friends.
Survivors include her husband; sons Michael Johnson of Austin, Texas; Joshua (Brandi) Johnson of Burlington; daughters Michelle (Troy) Warth of St. James, Missouri; Johanna Hand of Clarksville, Tennessee. 19 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and birth father.
Visitation will start at 12 P.M. on Friday, February 28 at Elliott Chapel with the family present from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Funeral services will be at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, March 1 at the New London Christian Church with Pastors Rod and Nathan Cooper officiating. Interment will be held at Prairie Grove Cemetery, rural West Burlington.
Memorials have been established for Be There Ministries, the New London Christian Church, and Shiloh Children’s Camp.
Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.