Mary Irene Johnson

Mary Irene Johnson, 75, of St. Marys, died unexpectedly at her home on May 11, 2024. 

She was born May 20, 1948, in Clay Center, to the late Loren and Irene Elliott. She was raised in Clay Center and graduated from Clay County Community High School in 1966. She worked at the family-owned Elliott Drug throughout her high school years. Mary and her three sisters had a special bond and remained very close throughout her life.  

She married Tom Johnson on May 31, 1968, at the Olsburg Lutheran Church. Shortly after, they made their home in St. Marys and had three children, Jamie, Jeremy and Justin.

Mary dedicated over 30 years of her life to her career as paraprofessional at USD 321, positively impacting the lives of many students and colleagues. She also worked at Ray’s Apple Market since 2009, where many in the community came to know her kind spirit.

Mary was fond of crafting and shopping, and often found ways to combine these hobbies with spoiling her grandchildren or gatherings with her sisters. She cherished moments with her family and friends, always putting their needs above hers.

Mary is survived by her husband of 55 years, Tom Johnson; daughter Jamie Johnson, sons Jeremy (Joan) Johnson and Justin (Holly) Johnson; grandchildren Lily, David, Will, Grace, Kayleigh, Kinsley, Kolbie, Jack, Cooper; great grandchild Aurora; sisters Elaine (Bill) Westhoff, Barbara (Stan) Springer, and Patricia (Jim) Booker; and many nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her parents Loren and Irene (Funnell) Elliott, and her brother, Howard Elliott.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 pm on Wednesday, May 15 at Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St. in St. Marys. Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, May 16 at the Olsburg Lutheran Church in Olsburg, KS with burial following in the Olsburg Cemetery.