Sandra Jean Johnson, 81, of Monmouth, IL, passed away at 10:40 p.m., Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at Roseville Nursing and Rehab, Roseville, IL, after a valiant struggle with returning breast cancer.
She was born on March 4, 1940 in Monmouth, IL, the daughter of Francis H. and Ethel (Gillen) Knapp. Sandra was raised and educated in Monmouth and graduated from Monmouth High School in 1958.
Sandra was employed at the Benner Tea Company in Monmouth, where she met and then married the great love of her life, Ernest E. Johnson. The couple married on May 13, 1959, and where deeply devoted to one another for 57 years- a triumph in these changing times.
Sandra was a long-time member and past president of the Monmouth Community Medical Center Auxiliary. Her greatest joys came from spending time with family and beloved friends, flower gardening, creating delicious meals, sewing, reading, writing, and other creative pursuits.
Surviving Sandra are her three children, Julie (Tom) Lerczak of Macomb, IL, Doug Johnson of Louisville, KY, David (Terri) Johnson of Monmouth, IL; two granddaughters, Katie (Reid) Houser of Mt. Sterling, IL, Megan Johnson of Manhattan, KS; one great granddaughter, Jaycie Cunningham of Mt. Sterling, IL; her brother, Dennis (Karla) Knapp of Hickory, NC; five nephews, one niece; her brother-in-law, Richard Harrison of Kirksville, MO; and sister-in-law, Linda (Bob) Kula of Cedar Rapids, IA.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest on July 19, 2016, her parents, infant brother, Gary Knapp, and sister, Francie Harrison.
Sandra’s family is grateful to the many caring staff members at the nursing home and with Hospice Compassus.
As per Sandra’s wishes, no public funeral service will be held. Cremation rites have been accorded. Those wishing to honor her memory are encouraged to plant flowers in the spring, press colorful leaves in the fall, prepare wonderful meals to share with others, make calls or send cards to those in need of TLC, and give something of yourself to your community. In her final days, her thoughts turned to gratitude for a life well lived as she repeated the phrase, “I have loved so many.” Memorials may be given to Hospice Compassus, OSF Holy Family Medical Center Auxiliary or the Roseville Nursing and Rehab and sent to the funeral home. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL, is in charge of the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.
