Judith Johnson

Judith Ann Johnson age 83 of Ashton, Iowa passed away Monday, May 19, 2025 at Osceola Senior Living in Sibley.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Thursday, May 22, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ashton with Father Siby Punnoose and Father Tim Hogan concelebrating. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in rural Ashton.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 21st from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. There will be a Catholic Daughter Rosary at 4:30 PM.

Judith Ann Johnson was born June 14, 1941, in Pipestone, Minnesota, the daughter of Frederick and Viola (Johannes) Trei. She was raised in Ashton and graduated from St. Joseph’s School in 1959. After high school, Judy lived in Adrian, Minnesota where she worked at her aunt and uncle’s variety store and cared for her younger cousins.

On June 12, 1962, Judith was united in marriage to Merlyn Johnson in Ashton, Iowa. Together they made their home on a farm near Ashton and were blessed with six children. For years, Judy and Merlyn owned and operated Johnson Milk and Water Hauling Service. Judy thoroughly enjoyed driving truck, never passing up the opportunity to visit with their milk patrons and water customers.

She was active in the St. Mary’s Guild, The Catholic Daughters, St. Mary’s Choir, and Ashton Legion Auxiliary. She was an avid game show watcher, quick to solve a puzzle on Wheel of Fortune. Judy also enjoyed playing cards with friends and prioritized her grandchildren, and great grandchildren’s school activities. Judy will be fondly remembered for her gift to visit, generosity and thoughtfulness of sending a special card for every occasion.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of nearly 63 years, Merlyn; children, Colleen (Corey) Ackerman of Sibley, IA, Donna “Annie” (Bob) Shirbroun of Spirit Lake, IA, Jerry (Jodi) Johnson of Ashton, IA, Daniel “Buck” (Johnson) of Sheldon, IA, Kevin (Jennifer) Johnson of Sheldon, IA, DeAnn “Dolly” (Les) Hornung of Bradshaw, NE; siblings, Janet (Gene) Steinke of Sibley, Gary (Karen) Trei of Sibley, Jean (Wally) Boekhout of Spirit Lake, Doyle (Jan) Trei of Ashton; 14 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren with a great granddaughter due in July; many nieces & nephews; cousins; and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Joanne Bender; and son-in-law, Tim McQueen (Dolly’s late husband).

Blessed be her memory.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family which will be designated to organizations of the family’s choosing.