Marguerite Aldina Johnson passed away July 1, 2011, after having struggled through several strokes in the past year. She was the sixth child born to Swedish immigrants Nels and Emma Fredrickson in Potlatch on Feb. 11, 1914. Her three brothers and two sisters preceded her in death.

The family moved to Coeur d'Alene in 1922 where her father walked or bicycled to work in the Rutledge Mill, now The Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course. Mom entered first grade in Coeur d'Alene and graduated from high school in 1932. She worked for Dr. John T. Wood until June 9, 1940, when she married the man she would always love, Ralph C. Johnson. They were wed in a double-ring ceremony at the Presbyterian Church with Mom's sister, Alice and her husband-to-be, Marvin Kessel. They would subsequently celebrate their anniversaries together, often at the Coeur d'Alene Elks Club, dancing and playing slot machines - one of Mom's fondest memories - when she could win "actual" money that came out of the machine.

Another fond memory was living at Fernan Lake for 23 years in the first house located there having been moved from Fort Sherman. Many people remarked they never saw her without a rake in her hand during those years.

Mom was a member of the First Presbyterian Church since 1930 and loved her affiliation with the church circles and a group called Pairs N'Spares which evolved into a pinochle club with many of the members. Mom and Dad made many lasting friendships through the church. She was a member of the Emerson Study Club for 20 years. In her late 60s she took up golf and loved playing on Thursdays with the 9-hole ladies group at the Ponderosa Golf Course.

Survivors include sons, Bill Johnson (special friend Linda), and Tom Johnson (wife Susie) and daughters, Beverly Millheisler and Lynn Vierling (husband Lynn T.), all living in this area. There are eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren also surviving. Ralph preceded Marguerite in death on Feb. 23, 1997.

The family would like to thank Bestland Retirement Center, Auburn Crest Hospice and especially By the Lake Assisted Living in Hayden for the loving care Mom received in her final months. Memorial contributions are preferred to Coeur d'Alene Presbyterian Church or Auburn Crest Hospice.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, July 8, 2011, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel. The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 9, 2011, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel, with burial to follow at Forest Cemetery. You may visit Marguerite's memorial and sign her online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.