Ihmoe Louise Johnson

Ihmoe Louise (”Sis” or “Sissy”) Johnson passed away peacefully with family members at her side on May 22, 2022 in Santa Maria, CA.

Born on August 25, 1933 in Omaha, NB to Zelma Johnson and Arloe Hill, Louise was raised in both Nebraska and Long Beach, CA by her parents as well as her aunt and uncle, Otis and Ihmoe Weaver (For whom she was named). In recent years, Louise lived in Santa Maria, CA; Salem, OR; Orange, Ca; Payson, AZ and Mt. Shasta, CA.

Louise worked for many years as a payroll clerk for the City of Long Beach, including for the police, fire and parks and recreation departments. She disability retired in 1989 following an injury on the job.

While in her late 20s, Louise was crowned Queen for a Day on the television show of the same name, asking for and winning warm clothes and beds for her children, as well as numerous large kitchen and laundry appliances, a sewing machine, adult clothing and jewelry.

Louise’s interests included sewing, machine embroidery, baking, gardening and growing orchids. She was a talented seamstress and made nearly all of the clothing for her five children throughout their childhoods, everything from school clothes to party and prom dresses to wedding gowns. In later years, she sewed for her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and also gifted her family members and friends with beautiful homemade quilts, place mats, purses, and holiday décor. Throughout her life, Louise doted on her pet dogs, including Tootsie, Max, Mandy, Dixie, Charlie, Minerva and Blondie.

Affectionately known as “Gran” or “Granny” to not only her family, but most family friends as well, Louise valued her family above all else. She is survived by her younger sister, Jenny Strecker; her five children, Myrna Vickery, Joyce Stockwell, Bill Vance, Kathy Roberts and Jennifer Bass; her eleven grandchildren, Dawn Chaffin, Carrie Van Beveren, Kristina Howard, Michele Robinson, Cortney Short, Zach Vance, Annie McNally, Casey Roberts, Alex Roberts, Sam Bass and Sean Bass; and her seven great grandchildren, Emily Van Beveren, Jack Van Beveren, Tyler Howard, Shelby Robinson, Zoie Johnson, Addie McNally and Allie McNally. Louise was preceded in death by her parents and her older sister, Arlene Patricia Blunt.

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