Nancy H. Johnson
June 25, 2016
Nancy H. Johnson
Urbandale
Nancy H. Johnson, unconventional to the end, passed away Saturday, June 25, 2016. Her wishes were to be cremated and for her family and friends to have one good party and only wear BRIGHT COLORS!!
Nancy was born February 18, 1938 in Albia, Iowa to Helen Bartlett and Richard Miller. Nancy’s lifelong commitment to others has touched people’s lives in countless ways. She championed the causes which affected those groups marginalized by society – women, children, the poor, and minorities. An article was published about her and this philosophy on the front page of the Metro-Iowa section of the Des Moines Register when she retired. She was a feminist before the word was coined, a proud liberal who embraced everyone except for those with closed minds and all religions except for those that judge other religions. She had strong opinions and was never timid to express them.
She played the organ at Elkhart Christian Church for 32 years and also participated in many active organizations throughout the years including both the Des Moines Rotary Club and Kiwanis Club. She has traveled to many countries and throughout the United States. Her husband always said she wasn’t happy when she traveled until she met some people that others would consider “weirdos,” and she could find them and be friends in large crowds or small.
She will be undoubtedly missed, but would not want people to mourn because she lived life on her own terms and chalked up enough adventures and memories to last forever. Follow her example and at the end, you’ll have no regrets either.
Survivors include her children, Lori Grismore, Scott Durrell, David Durrell (Jamie), and Shawn Durrell (Kelli); grandchildren, Aimee Grismore, Autumn Grismore, Abbigayle Durrell, Adrianna Durrell, Blake Durrell, and William Durrell; and great-grandchildren, Mahriah Grismore and Anthony Knight. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Johnson.
A celebration of life will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, July 2nd, 2016 at Kippy’s, 364 NW Main Street, Elkhart, IA 50073.
Memorials can be made to a charity of your choice or to a group who is actively working to defeat a REPUBLICAN!!!!!
Condolences may be expressed at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Guy/Carleen Freeman
07/03/2016
Sorry to hear of your loss, Had known Jack and Nancy for several years and enjoyed our times together. Our thoughts are with all of the family during this time of difficulty. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Mary Belieu
06/30/2016
Norma Felice introduced us when your office was a piece of ply board outside of Judge Missildines office and Dan Johnston was County Attorney. We had a lot of fun and I will certainly miss our chats. RIP friend.
Mary Beth Overton
06/30/2016
Nancy was a fantastic person. Her personality was the best. She always had a smile on her face, but you always knew where you stood. She was my grandma's best customer for towels and whatever grandma made. She is in heaven now putting those judges in their places!! Always in the hearts of those who knew her!!
Michael McMurry
06/30/2016
Nancy was everybody's favorite person at the Polk County courthouse.....she still is.
Kevin Jones
06/30/2016
On the occasional day when I go to lunch at Kippy's, the atmosphere will be a little less friendly because Nancy isn't there for a friendly chat.
We continue to remember Nancy and all of her family in our prayers at the family at Elkhart Christian Church.
Melody Chambers
06/30/2016
Miss Nancy, you were and still are a great inspiration to me. I am so lucky to have met you. RIP sweet Lady Nancy.. You will be missed by many. Prayers to all.
Ruth Anderson
06/30/2016
Just a quick note to extend my sympathy to the family of Nancy Johnson. Nancy was instrumental in giving and showing the love of Jesus Christ as a role model to my children. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Beth Goedken
06/29/2016
I was in Rotary with your mom. She was awesome lady. I do remember she had some funny jokes to share at lunch. Very sorry for your loss!
Mindy (Utter) Guynn
06/29/2016
Lori, Scott, David & Shawn
I am so very sorry for the loss of your wonderful mother. She was always so kind to me. Growing up I spent a great deal of time at your home in Alleman and she was such a "cool" mom. Just letting us be kids. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Rod Elswick
06/29/2016
Scott so sry to hear about your loss of your mom Nancy, I always enjoy the times I was able to talk to her take care cuz and tell the rest of your family sry for their loss.
Jill Edler
06/29/2016
Im sorry to hear the passing of Nancy. She was kind and funny and someone i always looked forward to seeing on my shifts when i worked at the pub. she will be missed greatly by all. When we lose a loved one , we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. May you take comfort in knowing that you have an angel to watch over you now. My thoughts and prayers are with your family in this time of need.
Barb Diment
06/29/2016
My heart is filled with gratitude that my path in life crossed with this awesome lady. I remember the whispered advice, the stories in humor and disgust, and the table you asked me to join. Your family is truly blessed.
Bill and Madeleine Taylor
06/29/2016
Kids, Both of us are sad to hear of the passing of your Mother. We know you will miss her but you still have many memories to share.
Ted Prine
06/29/2016
Nancy truly had a mother's soul. Her capacity to care for, nurture and protect extended well beyond her immediate family. As one of the many taken under her wing, I will be forever grateful for having her in my life. Nancy, when you get to heaven, say hi to Judge Glanton for me.
Clarice Steinbach
06/29/2016
Lori,
I am sadden to hear of the loss of your mother. May the happy memories ease the pain of her loss. God Bless.