Ruby “Irene” Johnson, 92

Ruby “Irene” Johnson, 92, of Greenbush, formerly of Thief River Falls & Stratrhcona, MN, died Tuesday morning, March 6, 2012 in LifeCare Greenbush Manor at Greenbush, MN.
Irene Johnson, was born Ruby Irene Braaten, the daughter of Thomas & Emily (Wallen) Johnson, on January 24, 1920 in Huntly Township, Marshall County, rural Strathcona, MN.  She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith.  She graduated from Middle River High School in 1936.  She attended Bemidji State Teachers College and graduated from a 2-year course in 1938. She continued her education by attending several summer sessions at Bemidji to update her Teaching Certifications. She taught elementary in several rural schools. She taught at Gonvick, Thief River Falls and at Greenbush.
During WW II, Irene worked at Boeing Aircraft in Seattle and also for the United States Weather Bureau, after receiving training at the Seattle Airport.  She was stationed at Sexton Summit, OR and later Spokane, WA and then the St. Paul, MN airport.  She returned to teaching in 1944 and taught until she retired in 1975.
Irene was united in marriage to Clifford H. Johnson on October 26, 1946 at Thief River Falls, MN.  They lived in Greenbush until 1950 when they moved to their farm near Strathcona, MN. They sold the farm in 1997 and moved to Summerfield Place in Thief River Falls. Clifford died on October 8, 1999.  Irene continued to live at Summerfield until July, 2009 when she moved to Oakland Park Nursing Home in Thief River Falls.  In December, 2010 she moved to LifeCare Greenbush Manor in Greenbush.
She is survived by her daughter—Randi Johnson of Brooklyn Park, MN & her son—Dale Johnson of Holt, MN. Her grandchildren—Brandon Johnson of Holt & Kristen Johnson of Brooklyn Park, MN.
Her Sister—Hazel Larson of Seattle, Washington and nieces &  nephews.
 She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 2 brothers—Harold & Warren, and an infant grandson.
Funeral Services were held on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 11 AM, in Bethel Lutheran Church of Greenbush, with Pastor Mark Mathews, officiating.  Linda Sovde was the organist and Marie Olson was the soloist. All of Irene’s friends, family and former students were considered her Honorary Pallbearers.  Burial was in Bethel Lutheran Cemetery with Gieseke Funeral Chapel of Greenbush in charge of funeral arrangements.