Lorene D. Johnson
Ava, MO

Lorene D. Johnson, 89 years, went home to Heaven as her son was reading the Bible to her on November 23, 2009 at Ava Place, Ava, MO.

Lorene was born August 18, 1920 in Supulpa, OK to Bernie and Louise (Elderton) Ritter. She graduated from Ava High School.

On August 12, 1949, Lorene and Raymond "Ray" O. Johnson were united in marriage in Mtn. Home, AR and to this union three sons were born. Lorene was a Librarian and also worked as a babysitter for many years. Lorene became a member of the First Southern Baptist Church in Ava on Nov. 13, 1946. In the church she was a longtime Primary Sunday School teacher. Lorene enjoyed reading, tending to her plants and visiting with her friends. Lorene was a gracious lady, she loved her family dearly and her Savior.

Lorene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Raymond "Ray" Johnson in 1978, one son, Michael Dean and one sister, Gladys Williams.

Lorene is survived by two sons, Thomas R. Johnson & wife, Sherri, Kenai, AK and Roger M. Johnson, Ava, MO, three grandsons, Eric, Doug and wife Megan all of Arizona and Jordan and wife, Leanna Johnson of Colorado, a great grandson, Donovan Johnson, Arizona, a sister, Geneva Burks and a brother, Clifford Ritter and wife, Rene, all of Springfield, MO and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Lorene will be Friday, November 27, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, MO with burial in the Ava Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, November 26, 2009 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Officiating will be Pastor Tom Maples. Memorials may be made to Hospice Compassus, 807 North Main, Suite 1, Mtn. Grove, MO 65711.