Irene Johnson

Irene Jane Johnson, resident of Ponca City, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2009 at the Ponca City Nursing and Rehab Center. She was 87. Irene was born the daughter of Ira Lewis Stringfield and Mary Elizabeth Cumming Stringfield on June 9, 1922 in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Irene grew up in Pawhuska and was a Pawhuska High School Graduate. She married the love of her life, Cecil Frederick Johnson in June 9,1940 at the Lutheran Church in Pawhuska after finishing High School. The couple later moved to Oakland, California. Her husband proudly served in the United States Army Infantry as private first class in Germany and was killed in action on December 16, 1944 in Luxembourg. In 1949, she moved to Ponca City with their son, Gary. Irene was a very charitable lady, particularly when U.S. Veterans were concerned. She was instrumental in fighting to establish the WWII Memorial, and on May 29, 2004 she attended the dedication ceremony honoring the spirit, sacrifice and commitment of the American People in Washington D.C. Irene was a loyal employee at the Super 8 Motel for 37 years and she worked there until she was 85 years old. Irene was a collector of dolls, native arts and jewelry of any kind. She was also a major OU fan. Irene was a kind, caring and giving person, and she was an especially wonderful mother and grandmother. She is survived by her son, Gary Johnson and wife, Dixie of California; grandchildren, Sara Johnson, Amber Johnson and Amy Johnson; great granddaughter, Kianna Johnson; nieces, Ruth Stringfield, Mary Catherine Stringfield and Dawn Stringfield. She is preceded in death by her parents; loving husband; and three brothers. The memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday at Fort Gibson Cemetery in Muskogee, Oklahoma where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband.