Barbara J. Johnson, age 88, of rural Monmouth, Illinois; passed away at 11:38 am at her rural residence on Wednesday September 29, 2021. Barbara was born on July 31, 1933 in Monmouth and is the daughter of Arthur Martin and Lois Olive Kathleen Armstrong Burford. She was raised in Warren County where she attended Hazel Dell rural school and later graduated from Monmouth High School with the class of 1951. Barbara married Wayne E. Johnson on August 21,1952 in Monmouth, and he preceded her in his death on October 25, 2007. Barbara first was employed as a secretary at Illinois Bankers Life Insurance Company of Monmouth until she was married. After her marriage Barbara was a stay at home Mom, and helped her husband operate their family farm and take care of her family. Barbara loved to ride and take care of her horses. She also loved her pet dogs, Carmel, Jessie, and Callie. Later in her life, Barbara was the banquet director for the Holliday Inn in Galesburg, and then again at Jumer’s until her retirement. She is survived by her son, Ray B. Johnson and Laura Thompson of Monmouth, IL and one granddaughter Jolie Johnson. Her sister, Beth Dowell of Monmouth, Illinois and her nephew, Lynn Dowell and Mary Ann of Edgington, Illinois. Barbara is preceded in her death by her husband, Wayne, her parents, Arthur and Lois, one son Glen E. Johnson, her step mother, Cecile, her brother in infancy, and her brother in law Carson Dowell.
A graveside funeral service is planned on Friday October 8, 2021 at 11:00 am at Monmouth Cemetery. Her family plans visitation hours at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth from 9:30 am to 11:00 am prior to the graveside. Interment will follow. A memorial fund is being established for the Gerlaw Alexis Ambulance Service. To leave a remembrance or for more information please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com
