Mary Lou Johnson

The earthly life of Mary Lou Keller Johnson came to its close on Tuesday, October 20, 2021. Her dearest wishes were that we would keep her in our thoughts now and keep our family close to each other in love, as so we shall. Mary Lou was born December 7, 1925, to Dorothy and Archibald McKeever. When she was five, her mother married Erwin Keller, who adopted her with great joy. Mary Lou was active in music all her life, first at Highland Park High School, where she was Valedictorian of her class, and then at Washburn University from which she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music. She served as an officer in Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, SAI honorary music sorority and Nonoso. Mary Lou and Bruce Johnson were united in marriage on June 12, 1947, and centered their lives around their three children, service to their community, and summers at the family cabin in Nisswa, Minnesota. They rejoiced to celebrate 70 years of marriage. She enjoyed her participation in Junior League, the Red Cross, Theta Alumnae gatherings, church choir, Topeka Civic Symphony Chorus, and several other organizations. Mary Lou was a member of West Side Baptist Church for many years, and then of Central Congregational United Church of Christ. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bruce, daughter, Susan McCracken, and great-grandson, Tage Monroe. She is survived by children, Kathryn Timpany (Tim Worthington) and Eric Johnson (Angie McAtee); grandchildren, Matt Timpany, Andi Greco, Britt Olsen, Megan Johnson, Molly Huffman, Haley Schomburg, Marylou MacInnes and Ellie Brandon; great-grandchildren, Alec, Kellen, Cameron, Jake, Ella, Mac, Charlie, Oliver, Amos, Mabel, Florence and Lottie; step-grandchildren, Evin and Taylor (Jordan) Worthington; and step-great-granddaughter, Harper. Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, October 30, 2021, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801, SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, where a prayer service will take place at 11:45 a.m. Private inurnment will be in Topeka Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central Congregational Church, West Side Baptist Church, or charity of your choice, and sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Mary Lou Johnson

December 7, 1925 - October 20, 2021