Lou Ann (King) Johnson

Lou Ann (King) Johnson, born on September 13, 1955, in Hillsboro, Illinois, to Dan and Edna (Gray) King, embodied strength and unconditional love throughout her 69 years. She was called Home on September 14, 2024, with her family by her side.

Lou Ann married her loving husband, Bill Johnson, on March 20, 1976, and modeled faith, hope, and an abundance of love and patience to their seven children: the late Jim Johnson, Jeff (Stephanie) Johnson of Rochester, Michelle (Bill) Ellinger of Litchfield, Melissa (Matt) Leonard of St. Louis, Jody (Galen) Gaffner of Troy, Mark Johnson of St. Louis, and Mike (Ashley) Johnson of Springfield. Lou Ann referred to her children as her "life's greatest blessings" and provided them a blueprint on living a life full of love. She centered her life around her family and loved nothing more than spending time with them. Her positivity, eloquence, incredible sense of humor and ability to smile through it all brought a sense of comfort and joy to all who knew and loved her. Lou Ann had an evergreen thumb and penchant for beauty. The flower gardens she and Bill created are a reflection of the beautiful life they shared through 48 years of marriage. She will be carried in the hearts of many and we are eternally blessed to have called her ours.

Lou Ann leaves this earth to be reunited with her son, James William Johnson; parents Dan and Edna King; brothers Charles King, Jim King, and a sister Kristine Schmitz. Lou Ann is survived by her loving husband and children; grandchildren, Cooper Taft, Dominic, Melody, and Alec Ellinger, Myles Leonard, Max and Nolan Gaffner; brother BC King, sister-in-law Joni (Chuck) Perry, and aunt to many beloved nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at Saint Louis Catholic Church in Nokomis. The funeral mass for Lou Ann will be officiated by Father Michael Meinhart at Saint Louis Catholic Church on Friday September 20, 2024, at 10:00 AM with burial to follow in Calvary Cemetery in Nokomis. 

Hough & Sons Funeral Home in Hillsboro is overseeing the arrangements and condolences may be shared online at www.houghfuneralhome.com.