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Arlene Mae (Burger) Johnson, 86

"There is no love quite as special as the love of a Grandma."

Our grandma, Arlene Mae (Burger) Johnson, 86, passed away peacefully to be with our Heavenly Father on April 27, 2026, in Beloit, KS. She was surrounded by family, prayer, and the sound of Grandpa's harmonica. She spent her final days in the loving care of the Residential Care Center, and we are forever grateful for the compassion and dignity they showed her.

Grandma (Arlene) Johnson was born on June 1, 1939, in Wellington, Kansas, to Alfred and Velma (Cochran) Burger, the fourth of their six children: Patsy, Raymond, Donna, Marva, and Duane. She shared a special closeness with her siblings, speaking daily with Raymond and Marva for as long as she was able. Growing up on a farm near Drury, KS, she attended school in South Haven, where she played basketball, participated in band, and spent time babysitting.

A few years later, Grandma met Grandpa, Wayne Johnson, at a grocery store in Corbin, Kansas, where she "caught his eye," as the story goes. Incidentally, they got to know each other better after Grandma started babysitting his cousins. Though Grandma wasn't fond of going to the movies, she agreed to see A Summer Place with him. When Grandpa later asked why she went, she simply said, "I just wanted to be with you." That sweet sentiment marked the beginning of a beautiful lifelong friendship. "Butchie," as she affectionately called him, remained her faithful companion, devotedly by her side through the very end.

Grandma and Grandpa were united in marriage on February 4, 1961. They shared many joys- dancing, camping, traveling, and gathering with friends and family. They made their home together in Southeast Kansas and welcomed their only child, Bradley Wayne. During Grandma's early married life, she channeled her grit and energy toward mastering the art of homemaking and helping Grandpa farm. They raised Dad in Caldwell, KS, and later moved to Jewell, KS, to be closer to us grandchildren.

For those of you who knew our grandma, you probably remember her very social, vibrant, and occasionally feisty self. She never met a stranger and was often found "table hopping" at restaurants to visit with friends. Not a day went by where she didn't talk about us, her grandchildren, and, much to our embarrassment, she made sure everyone knew we belonged to her. Her pride in us was constant and unwavering-she rarely missed a dance recital, softball game, music concert, school music program, or cheerleading activity.

Some of our most treasured memories include trips to Branson, visits to the Soda Shoppe, games of dominoes and pitch, attending the Jewell Corn Show, fishing, and going to church together. We who knew her were sure to notice her stylistic flair. You could recognize this since she always ensured her hair and nails were impeccably done. She adorned herself with sparkling jewelry, especially her signature clip-on earrings, and she never left the house without a bold swipe of lipstick.

In her final days, as her body grew weak, her heart remained strong-a reflection of the love she gave to us so freely throughout her life. For all of her life, a guaranteed way to make Grandma light up was to mention anything about her grandchildren. We may have been considered spoiled by Grandma, but we would consider it blessed. She always had a deep love for children, especially babies, and having her five-month-old great-granddaughter (referred to by her as "my baby") nearby in her final days had to bring her much joy.

Our Grandma Johnson was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Velma Burger; her brothers, Raymond and Duane Burger; her sister, Patsy Scott; and her brother-in-law, Bill Reeves.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 65 years, Albert Wayne Johnson of Beloit, KS; her sisters, Donna (Don) Mohney of Mulvane, KS and Marva Reeves of Derby, KS; her son, Brad (Charmaine) Johnson of Beloit, KS; and us grandchildren, Brenna (Josh) Dlabal of Beloit, KS, Br. Simeon Johnson, OSB, of Conception, MO, and Shae Johnson of Beloit, KS. She also leaves behind her cherished great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Simeon, Isaiah, and Mary Grace Dlabal, along with many nieces and nephews.

Our family would like to acknowledge and extend heartfelt thanks to Pastor Dan Daniels, Solomon Valley Hospice, and our friends in the Beloit community for their care and support. Cremation has taken place.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, May 4, at 11:00 AM at the Roberts Family Funeral Home. Visitation with family will be from 10:00 AM until the service begins. For those who wish to honor Grandma Arlene Johnson's memory, memorial checks can be written out to the Residential Care Center or Solomon Valley Hospice-Beloit and mailed to Roberts Family Funeral Service 910 N. Campbell Ave. Beloit, KS 67420.

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Beloit, KS 67420, USA