Obituary of Clara Rebecca Johnson

Clara R. Johnson, 97 longtime resident of Coralville, died Thursday, February 18, 2010, at the Lantern Park Care & Rehab Center in Coralville. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, February 21, 2010, at the Coralville United Methodist Church, where a reception will follow in the fellowship hall. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 5, 2010, at the Rush Lake Cemetery near Curlew, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Clara's memory to the Coralville United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be sent for her family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. Clara Rebecca Johnson was born on a farm on January 6, 1913, near Curlew, Iowa the daughter of Jonas and Anna (Breeton) Johnson. She attended and graduated from Rush Lake Township High School near Mallard, Iowa and graduated Mallard High School in 1931. After graduation, she went to Chicago and held various jobs including working at the defense plant during the war. Later, she moved back to Curlew and worked at the Mallard School in the lunchroom. She took courses in home decorating and did very well with it. Clara moved to Coralville in 1963, where for many years worked as a nursing assistant at the Oakdale Hospital. She always liked gardening and baking. Her flowers and yard were her pride and joy. She was a longtime member of the Coralville United Methodist Church. Her family includes two sisters, Helen Bringleson of Laurens, Iowa and Esther Smith (Raymond) of Emmetsburg, Iowa; nieces and nephews, R. Brian Smith, Samuel Smith, Daniel Lenard, Mariah Bringleson, Peggy Egertson, Frank Bringleson, Carol Vosburg, Charles Smith, Meghan Smith, Andrew Smith, Katelynn Smith, Lauren Smith, Michelle Podfield and Kevin Smith; several grand nieces, nephews and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Laura Lenard, Helen Johnson; brothers, John Johnson, Arthur Johnson, Harold Johnson and a nephew, Harlan Smith.