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Ila Johnson
ILA KATHLEEN JOHNSON
North Liberty
Ila Kathleen Johnson, 89, of North Liberty, passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017, at her home in North Liberty.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22, at First United Methodist Church in North Liberty. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. at the church before the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed toward First United Methodist Church, North Liberty, or the donor's choice.
Ila was born July 18, 1928, to John and Hulda (Hamann) James. She spent her growing up years on a farm near Cresco, Iowa. After high school, she earned her B.A. degree from the University of Iowa and began a teaching career that spanned 30 years, a good share of the time in Cedar Rapids.
On Oct. 26, 1957, she was united in marriage to Paul E. Johnson at the Methodist Church in Cresco. Two children joined this union: Bruce and Jodi. In 1989, she and Paul purchased the Jolly Roger Campground (Scales Point and Bobbers Grill) on Coralville Lake and operated it for 13 years.
Ila loved spending time with her grandchildren and enjoyed camping trips and travel with her family throughout the U.S. and Europe. She liked to read, boat, play bridge, Scrabble tournaments, crossword puzzles, garden and watch "Wheel of Fortune." She was involved in many church activities and the whip-pool-will club.
Ila is survived by her daughter, Jodi (Scott) Dunn of North Liberty; seven grandchildren, Joseph (Deena), Samuel, Mitchell and Jacob Johnson and Heidi and Shaina Fay and Tia Dunn; plus a step-granddaughter, Katie (Todd) Tumilty of New Jersey; six great-grandchildren, Eboni, Jayla and Lawton, Audrey, Tyler and Delilah. and expecting a great-granddaughter, Torriana; and her sister, Marvel Grabau of Cresco. She also is survived by numerous friends and her beloved cat, Bandit.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son, Bruce; her niece, Ann Kowalke; and her sister, Marjorie Oliphant.
Online condolences may be made at www.lensingfuneral.com.
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