Louella Marie Johnson Obituary (1925 - 2021)

Louella Marie Johnson (95) was born November 14, 1925 in Prescott, Arizona, the 2nd of 4 children born to Wylie Perry and Ethel Teresa Underdown. She had many fond memories of her childhood and school years in Prescott. It was there she learned to play the piano and was asked to play for various music classes and the school orchestra. Louella met Joe Johnson in Prescott and they were married April 1, 1945. When people would question why April Fool's Day, she would reply, "Well, Joe never did forget our anniversary". Joe and Louella moved to Wickenburg in 1952 to help build her parent's business, Wickenburg Lumber. During the next years they qualified to homestead 5 acres of land and built the house of her dreams which is still the family home. In 1970 Joe and Louella purchased Wickenburg Lumber and began their many years of service to Wickenburg and the surrounding communities. They were known throughout the area for their selfless service and giving nature. Wickenburg Lumber still serves the community, now known as Johnson Lumber. Louella loved playing the piano, writing poetry, and spending time with her family. Some of her happiest times were tearing it up on the craps table with Joe. They even taught their children to shoot dice on the living room floor. She was an active member of St. Albans Episcopal Church and is probably best known throughout the community for her amazing rum cakes. Louella was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Johnson, parents Wylie and Ethel Underdown, her older brother, Perry Lee Underdown and her younger sister, Iva Geraldine Kelly. She is survived by her brother, George David Underdown of Wickenburg, 4 children, Bill (Linda) Johnson, Iva (Armando) Noriega, Susan Kensinger and Gogi (Randy) Gay, grandchildren Joseph Johnson, Erin Scow, Michael Smith, Bobby Smith, Mark Smith, Armando Noriega, Chrissy Kensinger, Tom Kensinger, Tyler Gay and Melanie Busone. Louella also has 21 great grandchildren and 3 great, great grandchildren. There will be a viewing Friday, March 5th from 6-8 PM at Wickenburg Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow on Saturday, March 6th at 11 AM at Wickenburg Cemetery. Louella loved Wickenburg and the people who make this wonderful community. In lieu of flowers, her family would suggest donations to a local charity.