Lela I. Johnson, age 102 of Ogallala, former resident of Paxton, passed away January 1, 2014 at the Welcov Assisted Living in Ogallala.
Lela was born August 12, 1911 at Ogallala, Nebraska to Clifford and Pearl (Hamilton) Morrison. She was raised in the Paxton area.
On September 25, 1928 she was married to Clarence “Doc” Johnson in Ogallala. During their marriage they lived in the Paxton and Keystone area. Lela worked for Chrisp Telephone Company for several years as a switchboard operator. She was employed when they went to dial phones in 1957. She also worked at various Paxton restaurants. Lela was an accomplished seamstress and did mending for several friends and family. She enjoyed playing cards and was a daily coffee drinker at Swede's Café in Paxton until she was no longer able to walk downtown.
Lela had resided at Welcov Assisted Living in Ogallala since July, 2013.
Lela is survived by several nieces and nephews, including Georgia Supanchick of Poway, CA; Elaine Parker of Big Springs, NE; Norma (Keith) Schrack of Ogallala; Barbara Morrison of Minden, NE; plus many friends in the Paxton area. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1974, her parents and her brother, Johnnie Morrison.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Paxton Fire Department in Lela’s memory. Condolences may be shared at gubserfuneralhome.com.
Graveside services with Reverend Kolawole Akinnigbagbe will be on Friday, January 3, 2014 at 3 p.m. at the Paxton Cemetery.
Visitation will be on Thursday, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Gubser Funeral Home in Ogallala.
Gubser Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.