Mrs. Mercedes F. (Burrows) Johnson

Mercedes (Burrows) Johnson life story; Mercedes Florene Burrows was born in rural Sterling, Nebraska on November 5, 1921. Her parents were Earl and Mabel (Culp) Burrows. She had one older brother, Durward. The family lived in rural Adams, Nebraska until 1925, when they bought a ranch twelve miles north of Johnstown, Nebraska. Mercedes grew up in this beautiful area of the Sandhills which she loved very much. She had a loving family and liked to tell of childhood activities such as carrying pails of water to their garden, going to the pasture to check the cows, and helping her mom cook for the many families who found their way to the Burrows home. Mercedes was close to her aunts, uncles, and cousins throughout the years despite being separated by distance.
Mercedes graduated from Johnstown high school in 1938. During high school she "practice" taught in rural schools in the area. She began teaching in rural one room schools after graduation, riding a horse to and from school and boarding with families when teaching too far away to stay at home. When she was 19, and teaching at District 8 near Ainsworth, Nebraska she met her future husband, Harold Johnson, who happened to come more and more frequently to pick up his younger siblings from school. She liked to tell about their first date when Harold drove his car to the Burrows' home through deep snow to take her to a dance at Norden, Nebraska. She didn't think he would ever return due to the difficult roads and long trip, but he did. She liked to tell how much he was loved and admired by her parents.
When Mercedes was 19, she attended Wayne College planning to get a teaching certificate. She attended Wayne for a year and a half. By this time Harold had grown to love her and asked her to return to Ainsworth to marry him. They were married on May 23, 1942. They bought a farm 6 1/2 miles northwest of Ainsworth and had just begun their life together when Harold left to serve in the Army in November of that year. Mercedes lived with her parents while he was away, and gave birth to their first son, Harold Merle, Jr. in May, 1943. Harold met his son for the first time when he returned home from military service in June 1943. They then resumed farming. Four other children were born, Diane in 1946; Blaine in 1948; and twin boys, Dwight and Duane in 1954. Mercedes worked at home, cooking wonderful meals for hired men as well as her family, raising chickens, growing vegetables, and flowers, and preserving foods for winter use. She became close friends with women in her rural community and was active in the United Methodist Church and community activities such as 4-H. She faithfully attended her children's many activities, always fostering their independence. She and Harold believed strongly in education for their children, and this legacy is very much in evidence in her entire family. They also passed on an appreciation and love of music. Mercedes played piano, Harold played the violin, and many in her family have learned to play musical instruments. The Johnson children have many good memories of growing up on their family farm. Mercedes' grandchildren loved visiting her and spending time with her. She was a beloved grandmother and was proud of her grandchildren's many accomplishments. They all remember her cookies, chicken and noodles, and cinnamon rolls.
Mercedes and Harold lived on their farm together until his sudden death in 1975. She enjoyed memories of Harold throughout the following years, treasuring and sharing with her family letters he wrote to her when he was away in the Army. In 1980 Mercedes moved to a home near the farm, where she lived until 2008. During that time she cared for her home, had a beautiful yard, garden and flowers, made beautiful quilts and other creations, cooked wonderful meals for her family, and enjoyed many visits from her grandchildren. She was active in her church, United Methodist Women, Eastern Star, Rebekah's Lodge, Extension Club, and other social activities. Many will remember her as their Sunday School teacher. She has loved and been loved by friends of all ages.
Following Harold's death she provided home care for many people in the community until she was in her 70's. In 2008 she had to leave her home near Ainsworth due to a sudden illness. She lived at Cottonwood Villa for seven years, then at Hearthstone in York, Nebraska, for two years until her death on September 16, 2017. There she was visited by family and old friends, she received many cards and letters from people in her home community, made new friends, and won the hearts of many. Her family is thankful for the compassion and care Mercedes was given at both Cottonwood Villa and Hearthstone in the last years of her life.
Mercedes has left a legacy of children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren who admire and love her for all she has given them. She has instilled qualities of personal strength, hard work, and kindness to others, creativity, and the value of education in her family. Her beautiful smile will be remembered by all.
Preceding her in death are her father in 1974, her husband in 1975, her son Dwight in 1977, her mother in 1982, and her brother in 2004. Surviving her are her four children, Harold, Jr., of Stillwater, Oklahoma, Diane of Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, Blaine of York, Nebraska, and Duane of Ainsworth; daughters-in-law, Gaylia, Nina, and Geri; son-in-law, Chris; twelve grandchildren and their spouses, Christopher and Ashley, Kent and Stacy, Sven and Dorothy, Meghan and Charley, Carl, Bo and Amber, Britt, Kurt and Holly, Sam, Laurel, Hannah and Lars. She leaves 19 great-grandchildren, four sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. She will be missed. We celebrate her life and all she has given to make this world a better place.
Funeral services were held at the United Methodist Church in Ainsworth, Nebraska with Pastor David Randall officiating the service. Music was provided by Sherry Campbell. A piano instrumental of "It Is Well With My Soul" was provided by Sherry Campbell. "Amazing Grace" was the congregational hymn provided. Special memories were shared by family members. Casketbearers were, Christopher Johnson, Kent Johnson, Carl Johnson, Kurt Johnson, Sven Johnson, Bo Johnson, Sam Johnson, and Lars Johnson. The honorary bearers were, Meghan Traylor, Britt Johnson, Laurel Johnson, and Hannah Johnson. Burial followed at the Ainsworth Cemetery under the direction of Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth. In lieu of flowers, Memorials were suggested to the Ainsworth United Methodist Church or to the Sandhills Caner Fund Inc.