Ila Viola Johnson, 94, of Howard, SD formerly of Canova, SD area died Thursday, August 27, 1998 at the Sioux Valley Hospital, Sioux Falls, SD.
Ila Viola Loudenburg was born on September 17, 1903 at Bradford, Illinois to Harry and Lillian (Rouse) Loudenberg. As a small child she moved with her family to Canova, SD.
Ila was united in marriage to Albert Theodore Johnson on December 23, 1925 at her parents home near canova. The couple farmed in the Canova area until 1950 when they retired and moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado. The couple then returned to their farm northeast of Canova. Albert died on Dec 17, 1776. Ila remained on the farm until 1992 when she moved to Howard.
Ila was an active and generous member of the Canova Congregational Church and the Howard Senior Citizens. She was especially known for her prayers which she could give anytime at any event without notice. Her family was her first love and concern, being like a mother to her younger sisters and brothers. She enjoyed cooking and baking, winning several ribbons at the fair on her baked goods. One of her greatest pleasures while on the farm was to have a well kept lawn and flower garden. Her door was always open and she enjoyed visiting and playing cards. Her gifts of crocheting, needlepoint and handy work are appreciated by her family and friends.
Those grateful for having shared her life are her son: Ivan and wife Ruth of Tooele, UT; two daughters: Ione Powers of Sioux Falls, SD; Delores and husband Paul Koepsell of Brookings, SD; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two brothers: Harvey of Howard, SD; Francis of Sioux Falls, SD; four sisters: Nina Theis of Sioux Falls, SD; Agnes Gates of Howard, SD; Florence Sorensen of Canova, SD and Phyllis Peterson of CA. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two brothers: Delbert and Vernon; and two sisters: Juella and Jucille Hepner.