Ardis "Billy" Mae Johnson

Ardis “Billy” Johnson age 88 died April 26th at her home in Mankato, surrounded by family. 

  Billy was born May 7, 1933 to Ray and Myrtle (Peterson) Marti in North Mankato where she grew up making wonderful memories around “Mud Lake” now known as Spring Lake Park.

   She married Robert G. Johnson on August 26, 1951 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in No. Mankato.  Ardis enjoyed her years of working at Mankato Corporation, painting, drawing, hand carved unity wedding candles and scrimshaw on ivory and bone.  She loved being in the Kasota plays, special gatherings with family and friends, music and singing along.   Billy was a member of the Kasota American Legion Auxiliary for a number of years.   Billy and Bob enjoyed traveling and ended up at Sundance RV Park in Yuma, AZ after they retired.  After Bob passed away, she married a good friend, Ivan Million.  They had 12 wonderful years together playing cards with friends, going to the casinos and get togethers with family and friends.  Following Ivan’s death Billie moved back to Mankato, living at Oxford Path. There she loved playing cards, time with family and petting her beloved kitty, Ashley. 

  Billie is preceded in death by her parents, sister Joyce and brother-in-law Tom Douglas. Brother James and sister-in-law Marilyn Marti.

  She is survived by daughters Karen (John) Lange, Dassel, Vickie (Gene Berry) Jaeger, Minnesota Lake, Debra ( Leroy) Lorentz, St. Peter.  Her brothers Gary Marti, No. Mankato and Curtis (Delorna) Marti of Navarre, FL.   Survived also by 9 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren.  Also survived by her friends, Carol Harlow and Helen Comstock.  She will be missed by many friends and family.

  A celebration of her life will be held from 2-5pm on Sunday, May 15, 2022 at the Morson-Ario, 1900 N Riverfront Dr., Mankato.