Marian Esther (Fox) Johnson, the daughter of Thomas and Olivia (Sawyer) Fox was born on December 23, 1923 in the home of her parents in rural Wolford, North Dakota.  She died at the age of 93 years on March 23, 2017 at the Heart of America Care Center in Rugby, North Dakota.

Marian was raised in the rural Wolford farm home of her parents, the fourth daughter of five and attended country school near her home.  She competed her education, graduating from Wolford High School.  On March 21, 1942, she was united in marriage to the “Love of her life”, Everett C. Johnson, whom she had met while he was working for her parents on the Fox Family farm.  The couple lived and rented farms until they purchased the Matt Johnson farm south of Wolford.  There they made their home, raised their seven children, and farmed for the next 20 years.  They were active member of the Wolford Lutheran Church, a member of the Wolford Ladies Aide.  Marian was an avid gardener, and put away large amounts of produce for the winter meals.  She also was an excellent seamstress, made quilts and did and enjoyed arts and crafts.

In October of 1970, the couple moved to Prescott, Arizona, making their home there for the next 32 years.  There she did volunteer work at the Birthline Support Center for Unwed Mothers, enjoyed membership at the American Lutheran Church and its Ladies Aide and involved herself in other community activities.  Travel and dancing were a big part of Marian and Everett’s lives along with family and friends.  Her kindness and generosity was matched by none, and was a “Friend” to all!

Survivors include five sons, Norval (Arlene) and Timothy (Luann), all of Rugby, Lance (Janice) of Minot, Rodney (Carole) of Rolette and Kermit of Cheyenne, Wyoming; two daughters, Sherryl Hartvickson of Mesa, Arizona and Pamela Buchanan of Prescott, Arizona; 22 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Phyllis Conover of Williston; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 69+ years, Everett (January 13, 2012); daughter, Myrna; grandson, Robb Johnson (Norval & Arlene’s son); three sisters, Helen Phelps, Margaret Ongstad and Dorothy Yoder; and her parents.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 1^st at the Wolford Lutheran Church in Wolford with spring burial in the Wolford Community Cemetery.  Pastor Barb Haugerud, officiate.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service and sharing of memories beginning at 7 p.m. in the Anderson Funeral Home, Rugby.  Reviewal will be held for one hour prior to the time of services at the church on Saturday.