Mary Johnson

MARY JANE JOHNSON, 68, of Arcola, IL passed away at 7:26 A.M., Monday, January 12, 2009 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL.

Mary Jane was born on July 13, 1940. She was a daughter of Mark Alfred and Alma Faye (Baugher) Buckalew. She married Denny L. Johnson on November 19, 1961 at Walnut Grove Christian Church in Arcola, IL.

She is survived by her husband, Denny Johnson of Arcola, IL; three daughters, Denise Johnson of Selma, IN, Lianne Kirkham of Springfield, IL and Melissa Reed and her husband Corey of Chatham, IL; four grandchildren, Christopher Kirkham and his wife Lauren of Joliet, IL, Kalli Kirkham of Springfield, IL and John and Nathan Reed both of Chatham, IL; three brothers, Floyd Buckalew and his wife Catholine of Sullivan, IL, Don Buckalew of Pocatello, Idaho, and John Buckalew of Washington, DC; two sisters, Barbara Baker and her husband Richard of Brookfield, WI, and Lila Buckalew of Pocatello, Idaho and several nieces and nephews. Her parents and an infant brother Charles Buckalew preceded her in death.

Mary Jane graduated from Windsor High School in 1958 and from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Urbana, IL in 1961. She worked as a registered nurse for several years, taking some time off to raise her three daughters. When she returned to nursing, she worked at We Care Nursing Home and later at the Douglas County Health Department until she retired in December 2004.

Mary Jane was a member of Walnut Grove Christian Church where she enjoyed volunteering her time cooking for others in times of need or celebration. She consistently put others' needs before her own. Mary Jane was a loving and caring wife and mother who loved spending time with family and friends. She especially liked reminiscing, laughing, telling stories and looking at pictures. In warmer weather, she spent much of her time at home tending to her flower and vegetable gardens. Vacationing with her family in New Smyrna Beach Florida was a time Mary Jane treasured. She also enjoyed reading and meeting with special friends for coffee. Her genuine, loving, selfless nature will forever be reflected in those whose lives she has touched.