Frances Johnson, 76, died on Monday, August 17, 2009 at Oakland Park Communities in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral services for Frances will be 10:30 AM, Friday, August 21, 2009 at the United Methodist Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Phil Schmidt officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be 5-8 PM on Thursday, August 20, 2009 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will also be held for one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Friday.

Frances Marie Varey was born on March 20, 1933 to Mark and Sarah (Renville) Varey at Hallock, MN. She moved with her parents to Argusville, ND and lived there one year. She then moved to Noyes, Manitoba, living there for five years before moving back to Hallock, MN. She graduated from Hallock High School in 1952. In her younger years, Frances worked as a telephone operator in Hallock and then secretary at the ASCS office in Hallock.

Frances was united in marriage to Floyd Laverne Johnson on January 30, 1955. Floyd saw Frances sitting in a restaurant and offered her a ride home on a cold winter night. That was the beginning of a life long love. They made their married home on a farm in Hallock for a few months before moving to Thief River Falls later in 1955. Frances worked at Ben Franklin for 15 years and then worked 17 years at Kmart in Thief River Falls retiring in 1998.

Frances enjoyed knitting dish clothes and scarves. She also enjoyed small craft projects. She was an avid reader. She took pictures everywhere she went, especially of nature. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Legion Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, and the DAV Auxiliary. She served as secretary of the United Methodist Women, helped with many of the church events. She enjoyed her time with friends at the Heritage Center in Thief River Falls. She also would ring the bell at Christmas time for the Salvation Army.

Frances is survived by her husband of 54 years, Floyd, 4 children: Richard Johnson, Virginia Beach, VA, Marlene Johnson, Thief River Falls, MN, Diane (Dan) Person, Menomonie, WI, Curtis Johnson, Ramsey, MN, 3 grandchildren, Kelsey Person, Ben Person, Garrett Johnson, 1 sister Rena Mangum, Wellington, AL, and nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.