Wanda Lucille Johnson

October 18, 1925 - August 14, 2021

Wanda L. Johnson, age 95, of Albia, passed away on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at the Monroe Care Center in Albia. Wanda was born on October 18, 1925, to Earl and Lois Ann (Orr) Bettis in Columbus Junction, IA. The family moved to a farm in Monroe County where she went to Country School followed by High School in Albia where she graduated in 1943. She was in the Normal Training Program in high school which prepared her to teach in a country school, which she did for three years. On May 9, 1945, she was united in marriage to DeWayne Johnson and to this union, 3 daughters were born, Linda, Cinda, and Brenda. Wanda and DeWayne shared 51 years of marriage prior to his passing on January 20, 1997. Wanda and DeWayne bought a farm near Moravia in 1949 and went into business selling milk to Anderson-Erickson in Des Moines. The family continued operation until 1990 when they moved to Albia and purchased buildings in the Business District and remodeled it for living quarters on the 2nd floor. Wanda was a homemaker and then was employed at Chamberlain Manufacturing Company in Albia for 17 years until her retirement. As Wanda’s family matured, she was active in community affairs. She was a Band Mother, a PTA worker, and worked in the Hospital Gift Shop. She was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church and their women’s groups. She was devout in her religion and liked to read her Bible regularly. Wanda enjoyed baking and was known for her lemon meringue pie and cream puffs. She enjoyed quilting, puzzles, word searches, and going to the Leisure Lounge where she would visit with people and calling and playing Bingo. Wanda’s true joy in life was spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Wanda is survived by 3 daughters, Linda (John) Hiatt, Cindy (Tim) Simmons, and Brenda (Terry) Hostetler; 8 grandchildren, Valerie Hiatt, Travis Hiatt, Captain Brad DeWayne (Ashley) Melichar, USN, Stacey (Tarra) Simmons, Michelle (Dan) Amaro, Gina Champoux, Krystle (Tyler) Lorigan, and Jason (Jennifer) Hostetler; many great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and 2 sisters-in-law, Barbara Bettis and Doris Johnson. Wanda is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, DeWayne; her parents, Earl and Lois; a brother in infancy, Rollin; a sister in infancy, Marilyn; a brother, Donald Bettis; and a sister, Arlene Bernard. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 20, 2021, at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Albia, with Wanda’s family present to greet family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 20, 2021, at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Albia, with Pastor Roger Henry officiating. Following services, Wanda’s body will be cremated per her wishes and a private family burial will take place at a later date. A memorial has been established to the Trinity United Methodist Church in Albia or EveryStep Hospice.