REVERE, Mo. - Edith Fern Johnson, 96, of Revere, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in Fort Madison.
She was born April 16, 1929, the daughter of Arthur Elmo and Audrey Fern Bowen Howard. Edith graduated from Canton High School with the Class of 1947 and went on to attend Culver-Stockton College.
She was first married to Hillis Dale Rainbolt, and they later divorced. On Nov. 8, 1978, she was united in marriage to Ronald Johnson, who preceded her in death in October of 1995.
Edith owned and operated the Phillips 66 convenience store, diner, and service station in Medill and later retired from Sheller-Globe after 23 years. During her time there, she also served as a union steward.
Edith was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church and the Shrine of St. Patrick. She was active in the Altar Society, the rosary group, Daughters of Isabella, and she sang in the church choir. She generously gave her time to many organizations, including the local food pantry, the archaeological society, genealogical society, the State Historical Society, and the Clark County Democrats. She was also a member of the Clark County Mule Festival.
Edith had a lifelong passion for genealogy and local history. She loved bird watching, gardening, playing Scrabble and Mexican train dominos, and was a strong supporter of conservation efforts. She was also an avid reader who valued learning and sharing knowledge with others.
Edith is survived by her children: James Rainbolt (Leslie) of Keokuk; Kathleen Montoya (Angelo) of Farmington, New Mexico; Paula Yount (James) of Florissant, Missouri; and Lynda Kerr (Andy) of Kahoka. She is also survived by 17 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); 38 great-grandchildren, 15 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 will be held 10 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 will be 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 5-7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Clark County Food Pantry.
On-line condolences may be made to the family at
www.vigenmemorialhome.comPublished by Daily Gate from Jul. 28 to Jul. 29, 2025.