Mary Louise Johnson, 91, of Grenora, more recently of Williston, passed away on May 31, 2017 at CHI St. Alexius Hospital in Williston, North Dakota, surrounded by her family. Her funeral arrangements are with Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Williston.

Mary, the daughter of Aloys Pierre Muller and Magdalene Lillian (Bodewin) Muller was born in Grenora, ND on August 5, 1925.

She attended grade school at Roosevelt School, Williams County, ND and Lincoln School in Sheridan County, MT. Mary graduated from Grenora High School in 1943. After graduation Mary returned to her family’s farm to help raise her siblings due to her mother’s death in 1940.

Mary married Leonard F. Johnson on June 9, 1949 at St. Boniface Parish house in Hanks, ND. They raised three children on the family farm; Arlen Michael, Robert Bruce and Valerie Ann. Mary and Leonard moved into Grenora the fall of 1985. In April 1998 she moved to Williston to be closer to family.

Over the years Mary enjoyed bowling, flowers and gardening, embroidering and crocheting for her family, crossword and word search puzzles. She loved listening to music and reading. Since the birth of her son, Arlen in 1951 she kept a daily diary. In later years, Mary started keeping journals of her favorite inspirational sayings, poems and jokes. Most importantly she loved time with her family. She was strongly devoted to her Catholic faith.

Mary is survived by her children Arlen (Mavis) Johnson of Bismarck, ND; Robert (Kathy) Johnson of Alexander, ND and Valerie Johnson of Williston, ND; grandchildren Tiffany (Justin) Vinje and their sons Kai and Haakon; Michael (Sarah) Johnson and their daughter Arley, Ben (Jackie) Johnson and their children Payge, Irelynn and Sean, Keely Johnson and her daughter Riley, Reid Johnson; and her sister Annette Rose. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leonard; brother, William (Bud) Muller; sisters, Arlene Thomas, Bernadine Dahlem, Theresa (Tessie) Schultz, LaNette Muller; her grandson, Sean Johnson; and special family friend Edward Schneider.

Memorial Contribution