Surrounded by family, Josephine Mary Johnson passed away peacefully on February 17, 2017 at the age of 103.

Josie was predeceased by her parents; husband Ralph; brother Tony (Maimie) Zaick; brothers-in-laws Peter (Jean) Johnson, Folke (Gerda) Johnson; grandson-in-law Monte Marshall.

Josie was born August 26, 1913 on the farm south of Ratcliffe to Nick and Clara Zaick.  When she was 2, her brother Tony was born.  Her mother passed away when she was 5 years old so life was not easy for her from an early age.  They went to live with an aunt and uncle in Montana for a couple of years until Tony was old enough to go to school.  She attended Round Grove School  until Grade 7 when she had to help work on the farm. 

On November 29, 1940 she married Ralph Axel Johnson.  They lived on the family farm south of Beaubier and had 2 children, Kenneth in 1942 and Helen in 1944.  In 1947 they rented out the farm and moved to Ratcliffe so the kids could be closer to school.  They bought the store in Ratcliffe and owned that for 2 years until moving back to the farm.  In 1974 they moved into Weyburn and for several years went back and forth between the farm and Weyburn so she maintained 2 homes and yards.  She worked hard her entire life, she was a housewife, equal partner in the farm work, an excellent cook & housekeeper, a gardener and 4-H leader.  When asked what her biggest accomplishment was in her life she replied her family – she was proud of each and every one of them and remembered the birthdays of even the youngest great grandson during her final days.

Ralph passed away November 22, 1988 and Josie continued to live in their house until 1993 when she moved into an apartment.  Later she moved into Legion Towers, Crocus Plains Villa and eventually into Tatagwa View in March of 2008 where she resided until her passing.  Her family is so grateful for the excellent care she received while Tatagwa View was her home.

Josie is survived by her son Ken (Wanda) Johnson and their children Joanne (Brian Maas), Trevor (Dawn) Johnson; her daughter Helen (Henry) Kostuik and their children Kelly (Carla) Kostuik and Kevin (Jenny) Kostuik;  8 great grandchildren: Jaxon Marshall, Taylor, Konner & Mackenzie Johnson, Anna, Evan, Shelby & Henry Kostuik.

A Celebration of Life for Josephine was held on Saturday February 25, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. from Zion Lutheran Church, Weyburn, SK  with Martin Olson, officiating. Interment to be held at Green Acres Memorial Gardens, Weyburn, SK, at a later date. Honorary Pallbearers were all Josephine's grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

For family and friends so wishing donations in memory of Josephine may be made to House 4 Tatagwa View, Box 2003, Weyburn, SK, S4H 2Z9.

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