Gloria JOHNSON

Gloria Jeanette Johnson, 78, passed away Tuesday, December 16, 2003, after a lengthy illness. She was born May 20, 1925 in Detroit, Mich.She moved with her family to North Dakota at the early age and attended elementary and high school in Grand Forks, ND. In 1943 she met her future husband, Asay B. (Ace) Johnson who was enrolled in the Air Force Cadet program at the University of North Dakota. Following Ace’s return from Europe they married on June 27, 1945 and enjoyed 58 years of companionship and wedded bliss, her family said.Following the wedding they moved to Boulder, Colo., and attended the University of Colorado. Gloria was awarded an honorary PHT degree at the end of the final term. After graduation, the couple moved to McGill, Nev., to work for Kennecott Copper Corporation and stayed for 50 years. The retired in 1985 and moved to Lake Havasu City, Az. Her family said that Gloria found comfort in participating in community affairs and working as a volunteer. She served as a den mother in the Cub Scout program, a Brownie and Scout leader, PTA secretary, Band Parents officer, Little League and Pop Warner volunteer. She served as president of the White Pine Women’s Club, field worker of The White Pine Chapter of the American Red Cross, White Pine Women’s Bowling League president, William B. Ririe Hospital Pink Lady, assistant at the White Pine County School for special children and was a member of the White Pine County Golf Advisory Board.They said that when she was asked why she didn’t get a job, she replied, “I’m too busy doing all the odd jobs that you professional people enjoy, but can’t find the time to help with.” Gloria so enjoyed her family that she traveled more than 30,000 miles watching her children participate in school and extracurricular activities and truly earned the title stay-at-home mom.After they moved to Lake Havasu City, Az., she continued her work as an energetic volunteer with the Elks, as president of the Elkettes and secretary of the Elks Bowling League. She found time to play golf, bowl, travel and play a few hands of bridge, her family said.Gloria is survived by her husband, Asay B. “Ace” Johnson, son Roger; daughter Mary Ann (Penny) Allen; sister Dorothe Lang; three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.A memorial service will be held at a later date.Contributions may be made in her name to Hospice of Havasu, P.O. Box 597, Lake Havasu City, AZ; 86405.Arrangements were entrusted to Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home.