Mary Elizabeth Johnson, 88, died in her sleep Friday, Aug 17, 2007.

Mrs. Johnson was the spouse of Donald B Johnson, Sr. She was born Nov. 11, 1918, in Minneapolis, and grew up in Hettinger, N.D., and Wilmette, Ill. She met her life partner and spouse, Don and was married May 27, 1938 in Evanston, Ill. They moved to Phoenix in 1948 and then to Flagstaff in 1958.

Mrs. Johnson was a member of the Third Order of St. Francis and the Legion of Mary in the Catholic Church, Flagstaff Pilot Club and Flagstaff Area Health Council. She believed in community work including the Little Sisters of the Poor, St. Vincent de Paul Society -- Thrift Store, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, St. Mary's Grade School, and Salvation Army food kitchen. During her spare time, she worked for several years at the Fronske Studio.

She and her husband participated in the NAU student exchange program. One student, Fermin Martinez, became and is still considered part of the immediate family.

Mrs. Johnson is survived by her husband of 68 years, Donald B. Johnson, Sr.; three sons, Donald B. Johnson Jr., of Flagstaff, Kenneth A. Johnson of Hackettstown, N.J., and Vincent J. Johnson of Flagstaff ; and three daughters, Mary Beth Benedict of Riviera Beach, Maryland, Carole L. Kopeikin of Phoenix, and Rita Anne Johnson of Phoenix. She is survived by 11 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

A rosary will be recited and visiation will be Monday, at 7 p.m., at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Funeral services will be Tuesday at 10 a.m., at the same location. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society or the Little Sisters of the Poor 1900 Mark Ave., Gallup NM 87301-4822.