Corrine Ellen (Houser) Johnson, 90, passed peacefully from her home in Smithville, MO, into her heavenly home on November 19, 2023. In her last hours, she was surrounded by the people who loved her most.
Corrine was born on July 31, 1933 to Harley J. and Mable (Brehm) Houser in Sanish, ND. Her mother passed away two short years later, and Corrine was cared for by her grandparents until she entered school. As a child, she and her siblings Alvin, Vernon, Doris, and Velma spent summers working in their father’s commercial “truck garden” which supplied fruits and vegetables to residents of surrounding towns and to the CCC Camps. She told many stories of the hard work but also fun and adventures with her brothers and sisters including floating down the Missouri River on logs (despite the fact that she couldn’t swim), spying on the “hobos” in their camp near Sanish and joyriding in their Dad’s car when he was away delivering the garden produce. Corrine would use her gardening skills for nearly the rest of her life, raising and processing garden vegetables well into her 80s.
She graduated from Sanish High School in 1951 and married G. Donald Johnson on December 20, 1951. They moved to his farm near Watford City, ND, where they raised wheat and cattle. Don and Corrine welcomed their daughters, Geralyn in 1953 and Linda in 1958. They sold the farm in 1969 and moved to Spearfish, SD. They would make subsequent moves to Cody, WY, and Riverton, Nebraska. When she became a grandmother, she made her final move to Missouri to be near her all-time favorite people, granddaughters, Skyler and Summer Murphy. She loved them fiercely, and they returned that love. Her house was a haven where they could relax with few rules, lots of cookies and unconditional love. She was their confidant. What happened at Nana’s stayed at Nana’s. She was also an excellent mother, a goal she made in part because of the early loss of her own mother. She spent countless hours helping with homework, teaching her girls to dance and taking them on moonlit sledding outings. In addition to her gardening skills, she was an excellent home decorator, seamstress, cook and housekeeper. She also loved the Lord with her whole heart.
Corrine was preceded in death by her parents; three siblings, Vernon Houser, Velma Grendahl, and Doris Jurek; sister-in-law, Bernice Houser; and brother-in-law, Dean Grendahl. Also preceding her were two stepbrothers, Ron and Jim Houser; and two stepsisters, Kay Browder and Connie Young.
Surviving are her husband of nearly 72 years, G. Donald Johnson of Smithville, MO; daughters, Geralyn Johnson of Washington DC and Linda Murphy (Kyle) of Kansas City, MO; granddaughters, Skyler and Summer Murphy of Kansas City; brother, Alvin Houser; sister-in-law, Beverly Houser; half-sisters, Ardis
Weeden and Jeanette Houser; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Corrine’s wish was to have her ashes taken back to the place of her birth, so her family plans on carrying out her wish this summer, with a family service at that time.
Corrine had a special connection with nature and especially birds. She was thrilled to live her last years at her home in the country where she could watch birds and see wild turkeys. When you see a cardinal, think of her!
Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs
Our Sincere Condolences
Gerry and Linda,
The obituaries of your parents were such beautiful tributes to them. Wow!! Nearly 72 years of marriage….that’s amazing!!
It was so interesting to read of their activities after they moved from Watford City. As Kelly wrote, I too, have many fond memories of times spent with your family. I remember the things he wrote about (except the running away episode!)
In addition, I remember our Moms working on sewing projects together.
Also, watching TV at your house…to make it “color”, a cellophane-like piece was placed over the TV screen.
It was blue on top, a pink color in the middle and green on the lower part…TA-DA…color TV!
It has been fun going down memory lane thinking of them and the part your family played in that season of my life.
I’m thrilled to know that they loved the Lord and look forward to reuniting with them in heaven.
May your countless, precious memories of them bring you much joy.
Becky