Mary Elsie Doris Johnson Obituary (1931 - 2013)

Mary Elsie Doris Guffey Johnson Van Natta Johnson, 82 of Lake Summerset, Illinois died at 9:43 a.m., Thursday, July 18, 2013 in London Lodge in Cambridge, Wisconsin. She was born January 5, 1931 in Rockford, Illinois, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Xenopheon Blaine and Alena (Sell) Guffey. She graduated from East High School, Class of 1948. She married Donald Van Natta on January 24, 1961; he died in October 1983; she then married William J. Johnson in June 1986 and he died in March 1997. She owned the Edge of Town restaurant in Rockford, Illinois; worked as a secretary for Barber Colman; and helped on the family farm. Member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Rockford, Illinois and former member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Belvidere, Illinois. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at London Lodge and Rainbow Hospice for all their tender loving and compassionate care given to mom. Survivors include: daughter, Mary Kay (Ken) Raether, Cambridge, Wisconsin; sons, Bruce W. Johnson, Lake Summerset, Illinois and Michael B. (Lynette) Johnson, Beloit, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Katrine, Christa, Jessica and Roland; sisters, Irene Rosik, Ethel Johnson, Ruby Edman and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by parents, husbands, five brothers, Darby, Collum, Alvin, Ted and Lester and three sisters, Beulah, Charlotte and Lucille. Funeral ceremonies to be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 22, 2013 in Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 412 N Church St, Rockford, IL with Father Thomas Rosa officiating. Burial will be in Rock Grove Union Cemetery in Orangeville, Illinois. A visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. to time of funeral on Monday. An Irish wake will be held in memory of Elsie at the home of her daughter, Mary Kay and Ken Raether from 1:00-5:00 p.m., Sunday, July 28. Family and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 412 N Church St Rockford, IL 61103; London Lodge, W9095 London Rd, Cambridge, WI 53523 or Rainbow Hospice, 1225 Remmel Drive, Johnson Creek, WI 53094.