Edith Fern Johnson

Edith Fern Johnson (née Howard) of rural Revere, Missouri, peacefully passed away on July 22, 2025, at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in Fort Madison, Iowa, surrounded by her children.
The first child of Arthur Elmo and Audrey Fern (Bowen) Howard, Edith was born in Canton, Missouri on April 16, 1929. She was 96 years, 3 months and 6 days young!
Fondly known as "Edie" by many, she grew up in Canton, graduated from Canton High and attended Culver Stockton College. She began work at an early age in her father's business, Howard Radio & Electric. She waitressed, worked at the glove factory, sold Avon, and edited for local newspapers. She operated the first "convenience store," a Phillips 66 service station, bar and grill in Medill, Missouri. She then worked at Sheller-Globe in Keokuk Iowa for 23 years, working the 2nd and 3rd shifts to enable her to spend more time with her children.
Edith married Hillis Dale Rainbolt on June 21, 1947 in Hannibal, Missouri. Their years were spent following construction throughout the southwest. To this union five children were born.
November 8, 1978, Edith married Ronald "Ron" S. Johnson. Their years were filled with much joy and happiness as they traveled coast to coast. After several wonderful years, Ron passed away on October 14, 1995.
Originally a member of the Canton Christian Church, Edith converted to the Catholic faith in 1947. She was a devoted member of both the Shrine of St. Patrick and St. Michael's Catholic churches. She played the organ and sang in the choir for every parish where she lived throughout Missouri, Colorado, and New Mexico. She was a member of the Altar Society and the Rosary group.
Edith gave her time generously to the community through various organizations. She was an active member in the NE MO Genealogical Society; the Daughters of the American Revolution; the Daughters of Union Veterans; the Missouri State Historical Society; Missouri Conservation; the Clark County Food Pantry; the Clark County Mule Festival; the Clark County Democrats; Quail Forever; the National Wild Turkey Federation; ILLINOWIK Archeological Society; United Rubber Workers and Parent Teachers Associations.
Edith was an avid bird lover. She was passionate about genealogy and history. She enjoyed crocheting, crossword puzzles, reading, traveling and music of all kinds. She especially loved to dance. She was a talented seamstress, known for making everything from suits and dresses to halloween costumes and band jackets for "The Rooks." Her creativity and humor showed in everything she did, from handmade signs to themed parties. She loved gardening, nature, forestry and was a proud advocate for conservation. She never turned away any critters that needed help including dogs, cats, horses, birds, rabbits, even a skunk.
Always ready for an intense game of Scrabble, Mexican Train dominos, pitch or Tripoly, Edith was a wealth of knowledge, a fierce competitor, and possessed an incredible sense of humor. She never knew a stranger.
Edith is survived by her children: James Rainbolt (Leslie) of Keokuk, IA; Kathleen Montoya (Angelo) of Farmington, NM; Paula Yount (James) of Florissant, MO; and Lynda Kerr (Andy) of Kahoka. She is also survived by seventeen grandchildren: Lisa Rohrer (Roger), LeAnn Baker, Misty Rainbolt, Shawna Rainbolt, Christine Mills (Keith), Trish Wade (Atkinson), Brandon Rainbolt, Natasha Trame (Greg), Amanda Montoya, Sara Montoya, Curtis Yount (Dayna), Kimala Johnson, Robert Yount, Aaron Yount, Jesse Yount, Tyrel Kerr and Audrey Schlatter (Eric); thirty-eight great-grandchildren, fifteen great-great grandchildren; sister Dorothy Higbee; sister-in-law Anna Rainbolt (Nichols), and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; infant sister Arthurlene; husband Ronald Johnson; former husband Hillis Rainbolt; son Michael A. Rainbolt; grandson Dakotah Rainbolt; great-great-grandson Timmy Burch; brother David Howard; brothers-in-law: John S. "Jack" Rainbolt, James "Jim" Higbee, Ray Curry, Robert McLeod, Laverne (Edna) Johnson, Clifford (Miriam) Johnson, Floyd (Kathryn) Johnson, Donald (Inez) Johnson; sisters-in-law: Donna (Junk) Howard, Mary (Smoot) Howard, Billie (Rainbolt) Curry, BettyAnn (Rainbolt) McLeod, Vivian (Robert) Malone, and Ardith (Hadley) Blackwell.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 31 at the Shrine of St. Patrick with Father Rob Fields officiating. Burial will be in the Revere Cemetery.
A rosary and wake service was held at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 30 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Kahoka, followed by visitation with the family meeting with friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Clark County Food Pantry.