Darla Marlene Johnson

Darla Marlene Johnson, 63, of Fairfield, died Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

A funeral is at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Elliott Chapel in New London, with the Rev. Stacy Grau officiating. Burial will be in Prairie Grove Cemetery in West Burlington.

Visitation begins at noon Wednesday at the chapel, with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m.

Memorials have been established to The American Diabetes Association, Prairie Grove School Restoration Project and First Lutheran Church in Fairfield.

Mrs. Johnson was born Oct. 6, 1950, in Burlington, the daughter of Raymond and Marjorie Brandmeyer Johnson. She married Robert Michael ?Mike? Johnson May 23, 1987, in Burlington.

She was baptized and confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church in Prairie Grove, and attended Prairie Grove School through the fourth grade.  When it closed in 1960, she transferred to Danville Community Schools where she graduated in 1968.

She continued her education at Southeastern Community College, earning her associates degree. She moved to Oklahoma City and received her bachelor?s degree at Central State University in Edmond, Okla.

She belonged to the Oklahoma City Literacy Council and enjoyed teaching adult students.

She and her husband moved to Fairfield in 2001.

She was a current member of the First Lutheran Church, Fairfield.

Mrs. Johnson enjoyed reminiscing about her childhood days in Prairie Grove.  She purchased property in the area previously owned by her father, and had a little cabin in the timber and loved going there to sit on the porch, and always invited neighbors, friends and family to join her.

She loved dogs, and never went without owning Boxers or Boston Terriers.

She enjoyed doing crafts, antique shopping and especially loved finding bargains at Goodwill Stores, thrift shops and garage sales.

She took pride in polishing up her old clarinet from high school and playing in the Danville Alumni Band.

She was known and loved for her sense of humor and contagious laughter.

Survivors include her husband of Fairfield; one son, Ryan; and one brother, Gary Johnson of Iowa City.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Steve.