Mary K. Johnson

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Mary K. Johnson, 73, longtime resident of Leavenworth, Kan., passed away June 5, 2008, at St. John's hospital.

Mary was born Feb. 14, 1935, in Moundville, to Mike and Irene (Campbell) Shrimplin. She was united in marriage on June 22, 1958, to Eugene M. Johnson, also in Moundville. She was a graduate of Bronaugh High School and attended the former Pittsburg State Teachers College, Pittsburg, Kan.

Her vocation was a printer and she worked at various newspapers, including the Chanute Tribune, Fort Smith, Ark Southwest American, Manhattan Mercury Chronicle, and the Leavenworth Times, where she was employed for more than 30 years. She was also an active member of the International Typographical Union and received her 25 year pin from that organization. She also served as recording secretary for ITU Local 45 (Leavenworth) as well as the Heartland ITU Conference. She was a Leavenworth delegate to the International Typographical Union National Convention, in Kansas City, Mo., in 1978.

She also worked nine years as an Editorial Assistant in the Coldtype Section of the former Media Support Center at Fort Leavenworth. She was a member of the Southern Heights United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir as well as being a soloist there. She was a former member of Sweet Adelines, Inc.

She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband Eugene, of the home; her son: Jeff Johnson, of Leavenworth; granddaughter: Hannah Johnson, also of Leavenworth; and one brother: Marion Shrimplin, of Nevada.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, June 11, at 11 a.m., in Fort Leavenworth Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 10, at Belden-Larkin Funeral Home; 707 S. 6th Leavenworth, Kan. The visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, or the donor's charity of choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Belden-Larkin Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Condolences may be sent or to view video tribute go to www.beldenlarkin.com.