Ava Johnson

Ava Joan Thompson Johnson, 87 years of age of Fairbury, Nebraska passed away peacefully at the Heritage Care Center in Fairbury, Nebraska. She was born October 29, 1934 to Solomon S. Thompson and Thelma Louise Davis Thompson at Robinson, Kansas. Shortly after, they moved to Battie, Kansas for a short time, then back to Robinson. When she was in the second grade they moved to Glenville, Nebraska for about six (6) months. Her father was a section foreman for the Union Pacific Railroad (UPPR) which was the reasons for the moves. They then moved to Fairbury, where he bid on a job, when she was in the third grade. She spent the rest of her life in Fairbury. On June 1, 1954, Joan eloped to Colorado with her high school sweet-heart, Wayne R. Johnson, where they were married in the Methodist Church of Wheatridge, Colorado. To this union three children were born, Michael Ray Johnson, Patricia (Patty) Ann Behrends, and Tammy Lynn Berndt. Joan worked as a soda jerk for Clint Chirnside during her high school years. Spending many years as a bookkeeper for various companies and as a cutter for Lally Manufacturing, a garment factory. First and foremost, Joan was a mother and housewife. She served on several boards of the First Baptist Church (Deaconess and Trustee), was active in her circle and Sunday school class, she helped with bible school and also drove the bus to bring the children to the church. She was a leader for the Pioneers Club, an after-school project. She served as president of the West Ward School PTA, a Brownie and Girl Scout leader. She was a Cub Scout leader for her son. She enjoyed hunting with the family and boating in the early years of her marriage. Then they switched to motorcycling and took many great trips around the country, one of which was a trip to Alaska, yes on their motorcycle. She enjoyed playing softball and coaching the younger girls in later years, many who she saw grow up into young ladies with families of their own. Joan was also an avid bowler for many years, loved woodworking and loved following Husker Volleyball. As the grandchildren came along, Joan started following their activities, watching the five of them in their sports whenever possible (three grandsons and two granddaughters), Spencer and Tanner Johnson, Ashley and Justin Cook, and Brandi Berndt. Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne, her parents and her in-laws, her brothers, Bud Jr. Thompson and wife, Shirley, and Billy Jerome Thompson and wife, Lucille, and son-in-law, Bob Behrends. Joan is survived by her children, Michael (Renee) Johnson of Sterling, Colorado, Patty Behrends of Fairbury, Nebraska, Tammy (Jeff) Berndt of Lincoln, Nebraska; grandchildren Ashley Cook (Kyle Anderson) and children - Layla, Indi and Bentley, and Justin Cook all of Fairbury, Nebraska, Spencer (Tink) Johnson and their daughter, Kami Johnson of Frederick, Colorado, Tanner (Reagan) Johnson of Greeley, Colorado, Brandi (Brenden) Zegers and son Benjamin of Lincoln, Nebraska, step-grandchildren Bobbie (Brad) Bosle, Jeff (Megan) Behrends and daughter, Paisley. Services will be Saturday, June 11, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at the Baptist Church with Lana Likens officiating. The Family will greet friends on Friday evening from 6 – 8 at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home. Memorials will go to St. Judes. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com

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