Phyllis Mae Johnson

Phyllis Mae Johnson, 98, died Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home where she had resided since September of 2021. 

Phyllis was born May 24, 1925, at her home outside of Harmony, MN, to Ben and Olga (Helleland) Overland. 

Phyllis was confirmed at the Rushford Lutheran Church in 1940. She graduated from Rushford High School in 1943 and then attended the Winona Business School in Winona, MN. 

She then worked at the First National Bank of Rushford from 1944 to 1948. 

She married Carmen E. Johnson on February 28, 1948.

Phyllis was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Highland where she served as president of the women’s group, financial secretary, and superintendent of the Sunday School, plus having taught in the Sunday School.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Carmen in 2006; son-in-law, Ron Simpson; and siblings, Robert Overland, Willard Overland, and Edith (Jerviss) Peterson. 

Survivors include her children, Steven of rural Lanesboro, MN, Connie Simpson of Bangor, WI, and Fay (Ross) Himlie of Rushford, MN; granddaughters, Nell Himlie and Leah Himlie; sister-in-law, Irene Overland; nieces and nephews, Shelley Jerviss, Larry Jerviss, Brian (Lisa) Jerviss, Lee (Carolyn) Jerviss, Verlyn Johnson, and Shirley (Ed) Voll; her last Overland cousin, Beverly Simpson; and special friends, Lois and Peter. 

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home, especially all her caregivers on Evergreen Road (East Wing) for the special care they provided. 

A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 5, 2024, at 1pm with visitation beginning at 11:30am at Hoff Funeral Home (780 North Mill St. Rushford, MN). Interment will take place at First Lutheran Church of Highland Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home.