Marcella Ann Johnson

Marcella Ann Johnson, 102, peacefully left this world on February 24, 2025, in Greenwood, Indiana. Marcella was born October 19, 1922 on a farm in Plano Illinois, to the late Wayne & Catherine (Vilmin) Griswold. Marcella loved farm life. She milked cows by hand, drove a horse-drawn plow, and occasionally tipped over an outhouse or two as a Halloween prank with friends. 

A proud graduate of Big Rock High School, class of 1941, Marcella truly lived by their Fight Song message of “We help each other and we help the others too. We’re happy when we have a lot of work to do.” She embodied the essence of hard work, and loved playing cards and games just as passionately as she toiled. Her heart was generous, always open to those in need, and that warmth extended through her countless acts of kindness toward family, friends, and even strangers. One wintry night, a young couple slid off the road into the ditch. It was snowing so badly, Marcella invited them to stay overnight, and in the light of morning, she fired up the tractor and pulled them out. 

A few years after the war, while Marcella was working at Bristol Grain and Seed Elevator, she met the love of her life, a local farmer, Howard Johnson. They married in 1953 and were a great team, working together farming just north of Bristol, IL. Howard was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1965, and soon thereafter had to give up farming. Marcella was a strong, independent woman, and with the help of their loving circle of family, neighbors, and friends they were supported through some challenging times. After moving south of Yorkville, Marcella began working at AT&T (then Western Electric) and her circle of friends grew. 

In 2021, Marcella and daughter, Beverly, moved to a senior living community in Greenwood, IN to be closer to her other daughter, Cheryl, and her family. Marcella was welcomed warmly by their new neighbors. Hoosier Hospitality made them feel right at home. Marcella enjoyed walks in the neighborhood, dot to dot books, jigsaw puzzles, weekly Bingo, and sitting in her garage waving and talking to her new-found friends. 

Marcella is survived by her daughters; Beverly Hampton and Cheryl (Thomas) Ronan, grandchildren; Carla (Christopher) Lee, Claire Ronan, and Michael (Nicole Clampitt) Ronan, sister-in-law, Betty Griswold, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Marcella is preceded in death by her loving husband; Howard Johnson, son-in-law: Dwain Hampton, and siblings; Claude, Larry, Leona, Alberta, Gerald, and Marian. 

Marcella was blessed with good health, a sharp mind, quick wit, and a grateful heart. Her legacy is one of compassion, sacrifice, generosity, and joy. She leaves behind countless memories etched in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to call her Mom, Grandma, Aunt, Sister, Marty, Sally, Mario, or Friend. Her spirit will continue to inspire and uplift those who remember her well-lived life, reminding us all to be kind, to laugh often, and to always “sprout” a few points in Euchre. Her presence will be profoundly missed, but fondly remembered, as we celebrate a long life beautifully lived.

A Memorial Visitation will be held at Nelson Funeral Home (1617 N. Bridge St., Yorkville, Illinois 60560) on Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 10am-12pm. Memorial Service will begin at 12pm in the funeral home. Burial will be immediately following at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Open Door Rehabilitation Center (405 Wells St.,Sandwich, Illinois, 60548) or the Kendall County Community Food Pantry (208 Beaver St.,Yorkville, Illinois, 60560), or simply do something nice for someone who needs a helping hand.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to O'Riley-Branson Funeral Service & Crematory.

Please visit www.orileybranson.com to sign the online register book or to leave a heartfelt condolence.