Obituary of Mary Lou Johnson

Mary Lou Johnson (Monks) February 7, 1938-June 11, 2020 Mary Lou Johnson died of natural causes, Thursday, June 11 in Queen Creek, AZ. Mary Lou Monks was born in Limon, CO (February 7, 1938) to the late David and Frances (Taylor) Monks of Limon, CO. Mary Lou met her husband, Raymond Johnson (deceased) of Hugo, CO while in high school. They married October 2, 1956. They were married 57 years before Raymond died December 2013. Mary Lou and Raymond raised their children and lived in Colorado before moving to Gilbert, AZ. She is survived by her three children and their spouses Greg (Peggy) Johnson, Cindy (Eric) Berg and Tammy (Mark) Immonen; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Mary Lou was a stay-at-home mom while the children were growing up. Raymond traveled quite a bit and the family lived in Illinois and Florida before moving back to Colorado. When her children were grown, she began working for Adams School District as a tutor for disadvantaged and handicapped students. She was able to make a difference in many young people"s lives. Mary Lou enjoyed bowling and was the President of her league in Arizona for many years. She enjoyed crafts and kept busy making and sharing them with her children, grandchildren, and bowling friends. About 37 years ago Mary Lou"s name was changed. She became Meme to her first grandson and all of the grandchildren who followed. Raymond was Papa and visiting Meme and Papa"s house was a grand adventure. Not only her grandchildren, but all family members knew and loved Meme"s bright spirit. Mary Lou and Raymond eventually moved to their home in Gilbert, AZ where they enjoyed many happy years entertaining family and friends with a pool in the backyard. She had a sparkling smile for the grandkids and took breakfast orders from each before a fun day out in the pool and an evening BBQ. She made certain that they all were spoiled with the latest attraction in the area taking them to the zoo, waterparks, and museums. She loved family gatherings, reunions, and weddings. At every wedding she was the official ransom of the bride- money collector- and the newlyweds were always grateful that she was! At family reunions, she was often the horse-shoe tourney grand champion. She loved her family with all her heart especially Raymond, whom she missed very much when he died. She will now be able to rejoin him, her sparkling smile returned. She is loved and missed by all. Mary Lou was born during the Great Depression and left the world during a Pandemic. At this time, a memorial gathering will be delayed. It was Mary Lou and Raymond"s wish to have their ashes scattered together in a river that will eventually lead to the ocean. The family will honor this wish at a time that is appropriate. A tribute page for Mary Lou has been set up for those who would like to donate in her name, go to: Alzheimer"s Association Tribute pages.