Nov. 27, 1924 – Feb.10, 2013

Marilyn Bernice Metta Johnson passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 10, 2013, in Bend, Oregon at the age of 88. She was an active member of Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church.

Marilyn was born in Dwight, Illinois, to Bess and James Metta. After her mother’s premature death, her sister, Jean, moved to Los Angeles, CA to live with Margaret and Wayne Mulford, their 2nd cousins, one generation removed, while Marilyn remained with her father, James, in Illinois. After she was grown, she, too, moved to LA to be with the Mulfords. Marilyn worked for G-2 (military intelligence) where she met her life-long friend, Marge Harris, and it was during this time that she met and married H. D. Johnson in 1948.

After living briefly in New Mexico and Oklahoma, Marilyn moved back to California with her son, Bill, where she worked for Texaco, Inc, in the legal department until her retirement. She then re-located to Santa Barbara, CA, to be close to her son. Shortly after Bill and his wife, Susan, moved to Bend, Marilyn joined them there in 2003.

Marilyn was a kind and loving person with a wonderful sense of humor, and was always ready with a good joke or a snappy comeback. Wherever she went, people were drawn to the twinkle in her eyes and her generous spirit. She loved watching movies, time spent with family and friends, her pets, good conversation and the fellowship of her church and bible study.

She is survived and missed by her son, Bill and daughter-in-law, Susan, Bend, OR; her sister, Jean Van Nest, Redding, CA; and her nephews, Jim Van Nest, Redding, CA and Gary Van Nest, Seattle, WA.

Memorial services will be held at Grace Reformed Presbyterian church, at 62162 Richardson Hamby Rd., (541) 382-1572, on Saturday, March 9, 2013, at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Hospice of Redmond (OR), would be appreciated; www.redmondhospice.org.

Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home is honored to serve the family. Please sign our online guest book at www.niswonger-reynolds.com. 541-382-2471.