Nancy H. Johnson
June 25, 2016
Nancy H. Johnson
Urbandale
Nancy H. Johnson, unconventional to the end, passed away Saturday, June 25, 2016. Her wishes were to be cremated and for her family and friends to have one good party and only wear BRIGHT COLORS!!
Nancy was born February 18, 1938 in Albia, Iowa to Helen Bartlett and Richard Miller. Nancy’s lifelong commitment to others has touched people’s lives in countless ways. She championed the causes which affected those groups marginalized by society – women, children, the poor, and minorities. An article was published about her and this philosophy on the front page of the Metro-Iowa section of the Des Moines Register when she retired. She was a feminist before the word was coined, a proud liberal who embraced everyone except for those with closed minds and all religions except for those that judge other religions. She had strong opinions and was never timid to express them.
She played the organ at Elkhart Christian Church for 32 years and also participated in many active organizations throughout the years including both the Des Moines Rotary Club and Kiwanis Club. She has traveled to many countries and throughout the United States. Her husband always said she wasn’t happy when she traveled until she met some people that others would consider “weirdos,” and she could find them and be friends in large crowds or small.
She will be undoubtedly missed, but would not want people to mourn because she lived life on her own terms and chalked up enough adventures and memories to last forever. Follow her example and at the end, you’ll have no regrets either.
Survivors include her children, Lori Grismore, Scott Durrell, David Durrell (Jamie), and Shawn Durrell (Kelli); grandchildren, Aimee Grismore, Autumn Grismore, Abbigayle Durrell, Adrianna Durrell, Blake Durrell, and William Durrell; and great-grandchildren, Mahriah Grismore and Anthony Knight. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Johnson.
A celebration of life will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, July 2nd, 2016 at Kippy’s, 364 NW Main Street, Elkhart, IA 50073.
Memorials can be made to a charity of your choice or to a group who is actively working to defeat a REPUBLICAN!!!!!
Condolences may be expressed at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Cindy Moisan
06/28/2016
Nancy was a force of nature. She loved life and a good argument about politics. She helped so many people at the Courthouse. I remember many days filled with laughter on the patio with Jack. She will be missed by many.
Randi Hutchinson
06/28/2016
When I first met Nancy I knew I was going to like her. She was one of the most honest, outspoken but caring individual's I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She was a bright star at the courthouse and also had that same bright spirit when I would see her at Iowa Lutheran Hospital doing volunteer work. Rest in peace dear one.
Dawn Teggatz
06/28/2016
I met this fabulous lady when I was a naive, 22 year old farm girl and she led me strongly through the trials and tribulations of the courthouse. Our friendship grew strong over the next 29 years and we solved many of the world's problems on her patio or at Kelly's. She was a wise, opinionated, trustworthy, caring, hard-working friend who will be sorely missed. Drink another drink, smoke another smoke and rest in eternal peace my friend.
Odell McGhee
06/28/2016
Nancy, like an Iowa oak tree, you grew brightly...Full of love and joy, comforting like the morning dew. The world around you emboldened your strength mightily, as you overcame obstacles and became the binding glue. Even though the leaf has fallen from the strong tree, and there is a silence in our song, we still will watch the calmness of the sea.
Even though the morning sunshine mocks our anguish,
and our missing you we will always anguish, we will keep on living and counting our blessings, wrapped in the peace of your love always caressing. Your star is still shining, mending, loving and binding. You always made me smile..Odell
Robert & Tammie (Hyndman) Harris
06/28/2016
Our Sympathies are with all of you. She was quite a lady! All our Love to you.
Carol Long
06/28/2016
so very sorry to hear this news...I will be retired from Banner when you get back to work. Just wanted to express my sincerest sympathy to you and your family.
Holly Hyde
06/28/2016
I'm so sorry for your entire family. I'm thinking of you lots. I didn't know her well but it's obvious by all of the condolences she was very special to many people. That's where you get it Lori! Take care of each other.
Connie McNamara
06/28/2016
Please except my sympathy for the passing of your mom. I wish I could have met her! She sounds like my kind of lady! Find comfort in your memories and know that she will dwell in the hearts of those who knew and loved her......
Annette Taylor
06/28/2016
I spent a lot of years with your mom at the courthouse and at Christopher's. It's hard to say which was more fun! She was an amazing lady and you captured her spirit perfectly in her obituary. I'm sorry for your loss. A lot of hearts are hurting with you today and in the days to come.
Linda Scharf-Byers (Bosworth)
06/28/2016
Lori, so to hear about your Mom. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.
Steve & Lisa Gordon
06/28/2016
Lori - So sorry to hear of your mother's passing. You're in our thoughts and prayers
Julietta Cory
06/28/2016
I met Nancy many years ago working at the courthouse. It was a pleasant surprise to find her again after I moved to Elkhart. We enjoyed many parades together sitting in our driveway. Her empty chair sat beside me on Saturday. She will be missed! Prayers from our family to yours.
Ursula Roberts Bingam
06/27/2016
I went to college at Iowa State Teachers College one year. (1956-57) Nancy Miller from Albia was one of my roommates. Lost track of her for many years but the last few years made contact thru email. So sorry to learn of her passing. Praying for your comfort.
Sue Renaud
06/26/2016
Sorry for your loss. May the memories you haveof your Mother give you peace and comfort.
Becky Sue Johnson & Vicky Rowe
06/26/2016
Life is precious. May your memories comfort you. Sorry for your loss...
Becky, David, Vicky, Rich, & Aaron