Irlyn Johnson

Irlyn Elaine Johnson, 92, of Anita, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, April 14, 2010, at the Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic.

Irlyn was born December 18, 1917, in Benton Township, Iowa, the daughter of Theodore and Ella (Husmann) Walker. She was raised in rural Wiota and graduated from Anita High School with the class of 1935. She worked in the Anita telephone office and then at the Golden Rule Department Store. On May 15, 1938, she married Neil J. Johnson, who owned the store with his mother.

Neil and Irlyn had two children, Kay Irene and Kent Neil. Neil died in 1954 and Irlyn took over the business and purchased the Golden Rule, later renamed "Irlyn's." Irlyn's had customers from miles around due to Irlyn's gracious personality and business acumen. In 1975, Irlyn was elected "Lady Anita" for Anita's Centennial. Throughout her life, people regaled her with memories of "Irlyn's."

Irlyn retired in 1981 and in 1997 moved from her home on Rose Hill to her condo on the golf course. For the last 2 ½ years she has lived at Allen House in Atlantic.

In addition to running her business, Irlyn was a member of the Anita Chamber of Commerce, the United Church of Christ, served on the Anita Library Board, helped found the Women's Auxiliary of Colonial Manor, and was a P.E.O. member for more than 50 years.

Survivors include her daughter Kay (Monica); son Kent (Emiko) all of Evergreen, Colorado; niece Linda (Ted) Clapper of Ankeny, Iowa; her sister-in-law, Gertrude Walker of New Egypt, New Jersey; and other nieces and nephews.

Irlyn was preceded in death by her husband, Neil, her mother and father, her twin brother Irving, and sisters (twins) Adair and Alice.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 16, 2010, at Hockenberry Family Care in Anita, Iowa. Visitation will be from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Thursday, April 15, also at Hockenberry's in Anita. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Anita, Iowa.

The family suggests memorials to the Anita Public Library, the Anita United Church of Christ, or other charitable organizations.

Hockenberry Family Care in Anita, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.