Robinson, KS….Margaret Darlene (Greene) Johansen, 89, of rural Robinson, passed into the presence of Christ on September 22, 2020, having been surrounded by family in recent days in Vintage Park at Hiawatha.  She was born June 7, 1931, to Sarah Anderson; Darlene was adopted by her aunt and uncle, Earle & Margaret Greene, who raised her as their own daughter.

Earle was a railroad man, so one of her first homes was a boxcar on a train.  When they settled in one place, Darlene spent much of her childhood in Reserve, KS.  It was there that she attended Reserve Public Schools.  At age 16, she had entered the Brown County Fair Queen Pageant, and won based on singing talent, vivacious personality, and beauty, becoming "Miss Brown County 1947", moving on to compete at the St. Joseph Apple Blossom Festival.  She graduated from Reserve Rural High School, May 1948. She was also active in the Christian Church at Reserve. Having trusted Christ as her personal Savior as a child, she continued to be involved in a variety of congregations throughout her life, actively serving at The Christian Center and enjoying the fellowship of the Eternal Hope Worship Center in recent years.  Her passion was to play piano, sing and teach Sunday School.

As a little girl, Darlene would often play with the neighbor kids and her church friends.  As early as 5-years-old, one of her playmates was dashing little Bob Johansen.  That friendship turned to young love—which led to elopement and marriage when she was just 17 years old!  They married on October 16, 1948.  But . . . it was a lasting love, as they celebrated 71 years together!

To that union came five children—Bobby, Terry, Marlin, Kelly and Ruth Anne.  Living out in the country, Darlene perfected "the whistle"—she could call those kids home from down at the creek . . . or further!  And later, all the grandkids heard that whistle from the bleachers at their sporting events, concerts, musicals, dance recitals, etc., and knew that Grandma Jo was there to cheer them on.  As her memory began to fade while living at Vintage Park, she couldn't remember how to press the call button, but she never forgot how to whistle and did so to call for nurses!

Darlene worked hard.  She hung wallpaper professionally for her entire adult life, and later in her career Bob would partner with her. In return, she assisted him by driving truck hauling agricultural lime.  She was known in Hiawatha for her pies.  For the fall festivals, Darlene (with her niece's help) would make well over 100 pies, set up a booth on the city square, and the pies would sell out in just a couple of hours!  She also had a reputation for her cinnamon rolls . . . she made those by the dozens when the family came home!  She also was a proficient seamstress, making home décor, crafts, her children's clothes, and even designed and made her daughter's wedding dress.  She spent her "free time" reading and doing cross stitch, making angel tapestries of display quality.

Darlene was a woman of grace.  She accepted people as they are, not as she wanted them to be.  Life is not perfect, relationships are messy, but in the midst of it, she would love people, extending acceptance with grace.  Her example resounds for us today.

Darlene is survived by two sons—Forest Robert Johansen, Jr. (his wife Nance); Marlin Paul Johansen (his wife Nancy); one daughter—Ruth Anne Prieb (her husband Steve); 19 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.  She is predeceased by her parents, her husband Bob, two sons—Terrance Mark Johansen, and Kelly Donald Johansen, one grandson, Logan Johansen; and her brother David Greene.

Darlene exemplified the character of the biblical Proverbs 31 woman.  "She speaks with wisdom, . . ..  She watches over the affairs of her household, . . ..  Her children arise and call her blessed" (Prov. 31:26-28).

MASKS AND SOCI AL DISTANCING RESPECTFULLY REQUESTED

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha, after 10 until 7 p.m. Friday where the family will be present later in the day.

The service will be Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at The Christian Center, Hiawatha.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Darlene Johansen Memorial Fund sent in care of the funeral home, 124 South 7 ^th St., 66434.

A special message or remembrance may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Refer to live services at the funeral home Facebook group page:  Chapel Oaks Hiawatha & Highland KS.