"So very sorry to read of your loss Roger! I met Lavina a couple of times at reunions and she was a very nice friendly gal with a beautiful smile ! RIP Prayers for you and your families ? ? God Bless Joyce Lindsey Kemerling"
In loving memory of
Lavina Elaine Johnson
July 5, 1942 - October 6, 2021
Lavina Johnson 79, of Malvern, IA, unexpectedly passed away at her home on Wednesday, October 6, 2021. Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at the Malvern United Methodist Church in Malvern. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 11, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Loess Hills Funeral Home in Malvern. Loess Hills Funeral Home in Malvern is caring for Lavina and her family.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be sent to the Malvern United Methodist Church, Malvern Volunteer Fire Department or Malvern Volunteer Rescue.
Lavina Elaine (Alberts) Johnson, 79, of Malvern, IA, unexpectedly passed away at her home on October 6, 2021.
Lavina was born on July 5, 1942 on a farm southwest of Malvern, one of four children of Alton William and Helen Louise (Shaw) Alberts. She attended kindergarten at Mt. Vernon country school and Malvern Public School until 1959 when her family moved to the community of Strahan, Iowa. Lavina graduated from Strahan Consolidate School in 1960. She continued her education at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. Lavina taught school for one year for the Nishna Valley School District and was a substitute teacher for both Malvern and Nishna Valley Schools.
Lavina and Roger Allen Johnson were united in marriage on February 9, 1964 in Malvern. They began their new life together in a home in the Strahan community. They were blessed with two children, Jeffery Allen and Tamara Elaine.
In 1966, the family moved to Shenandoah, Iowa, lived a year in 1969 in Audubon, Iowa, and in 1970, the family moved to live in Malvern.
Lavina was a member of the Malvern United Methodist Church and HSC Women's Club, and Friends of the Malvern Public Library. She enjoyed coin collecting, reading, puzzles, and crossword puzzles. She and Roger enjoyed golfing and square dancing. She would go to the YMCA in Red Oak where she took water aerobics. Lavina loved spending time near the ocean and for 35 years every January they spent time in Hawaii. She enjoyed watching her grandson Gage's ballgames. Lavina loved driving around in her convertible cars (with the top down of course).
Lavina was preceded in death by her parents; sister Rosalie McCain and husband Jim; and brother Lavern Alberts.
Lavina is survived by her beloved husband of 57 years, Roger Johnson of Malvern; son Jeff Johnson of Malvern; daughter Tamara Jahnke and husband Jason of Vinita, OK; grandson Gage Jahnke; sister Carolyn Lukehart and husband Richard of Griswold, IA; sister-in-law Jeannie Alberts of Denison, IA; other relatives; and many friends.
Tributes
"I got the pleasure of working with her when I was a para at Nishna Valley. She was so sweet to the children. My daughter called her the 'fun sub.' Prayers for your family."
"I will miss our visits at water aerobics. She definitely enjoyed their vacations to Hawaii. Prayers to the family. You will be missed dear friend. Linda Wax"
"I will miss you Aunt Lavina, you were always so sweet and loving and funny at family gatherings. You were a wonderful example of a life well lived"
"Our Sympathy to the Johnson family. We enjoyed knowing Lavina for many years"
"We loved having Lavina come visit us down at the Y when she came for morning water aerobics. I'm am definitely going to miss seeing and chatting with her each morning her "
"Roger and family, So sorry to hear about losing Lavina.. What a wonderful woman she was. Always enjoyed visiting with both of you when we got together for business. She always had a big smile and a very pleasant prospective on everything. A great lifelong partner and will be missed by you and all who knew her. Our prayers go out to you and your family."