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JOHNSON -- Frances Johnson, born in Albion, Nebraska, November 15, 1915, grew up in a small farming community. During the Great Depression, she worked to help her family by teaching in a small one room schoolhouse. Busy working on a homecoming float, a gentleman appeared and announced, "I'm your carpenter". She and her carpenter, Harlan K. Johnson later wed. Tough times and World War II necessitated the couple travel where Harlan could find war work. A small family now, they criss-crossed the U.S. in a tiny teardrop trailer. After the war, the family moved to Grand Island, Nebraska where they gave up the trailer and moved into a house. Needless to say, the children wept bitter tears. Frances went on to earn a bachelor's degree in education while hosting a TV cooking show. She later gave up show business and taught school for 20 years. She and her "carpenter" traveled to and from Europe during school vacations. They finally made their permanent home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Frances was a long time member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church and remained active in the community. She tutored young people for many years, teaching them to read and write, one of her proudest contributions. Harlan preceded Frances in death in 1997. Frances' survivors include: sister, Marjorie Johnson of Newman Grove, NE; brother Bob Bittner and wife Ilene of Albion, NE; son, Gary K. Johnson and wife Marylyn of Franklinton, NC; daughter, Marilyn J. Wireman and husband Bill of Palm Springs, CA; daughter, Nancy L. Grimes and husband Jim of Huntington Beach, CA; grand-daughter, Paige L. Brown and husband Blake of Placitas, NM; grand-son, Matthew K. Johnson of Albuquerque, NM; grand-son, Trevor T. Johnson of Denver, CO and great-grandson, Dominic K. Johnson of Albuquerque, NM. Special thanks to longtime dear neighbors Art and Sally Andazola and the Lutheran community of Holy Cross. Memorial Services Monday, May 12, 2008, 7:00 p.m. Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Donations to benefit Presbyterian Hospice.
        Published on: Mon May 12, 2008