Viola Johnson, 83, of Parsons died at 10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009, at Labette Health.

She was born July 9, 1926, in Morris, Manitoba, Canada, to Charles and Katherina (Remple) Werner. As a young girl, she grew up in Morris before moving to Winnipeg, where she also worked for a time. She relocated to Vancouver where she met and later married Alvis H. Johnson. While he was serving in the U.S. Navy, they lived in Bermuda, Virginia and Florida. Following his retirement from the military, the couple moved to Kansas. While living in Wichita, she worked at Cessna for 18 years. After retirement, the couple enjoyed traveling to Texas and Alaska. Mr. Johnson preceded her in death Aug. 17, 1999. In 2001, she moved to Parsons to be near family.

Mrs. Johnson was an avid reader, enjoyed working crossword puzzles, crocheting, knitting and tending to her roses. While living in Florida, she was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Survivors include three sons, Victor L. Johnson and his wife, Jennifer, of Olathe, Kenneth Johnson and his wife, Shirley, of Parsons, and Phillip Johnson and his wife, Yung-Hee of Osan, South Korea; five grandchildren, Shawn Carter, Jennifer Johnson, Chad Whitney, Austin Johnson and Kendra Johnson; several great-grandchildren; a brother, Bill Werner and his wife, Connie, of Fort St. James, British Columbia, Canada; two sisters, Mabel Balakowski of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and Esther Larkin and her husband, Dennis, of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; two sisters-in-law, Mae Skulla of Beattie and Lavona Spunaugel and her husband, Dick, of Blue Rapids; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She also was preceded in death by two brothers, Jack Werner and Charles Werner; and a sister, Alma Borys.

A graveside service will be at 1:30 p.m. today at Fort Scott National Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Disabled American Veterans. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, 67357.