Sylvia Jean Johnson, Meeks-Ah-Quah, 62, of Topeka, passed away on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at her sister's home in Oskaloosa.

She was born July 27, 1960 in Topeka, the daughter of Orville Rice, Jr. and Betty Mahkuk Rice.  She graduated from Seaman High School in 1978.

Sylvia had worked for the Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribe since 2002.

She was a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and the Native American Church.

Sylvia married Jay M. Johnson on August 17, 2002 at Lake Shawnee in Topeka.  He survives, of the home.

She was preceded in death by her father, Orville Rice, Jr., and two brothers, Bradley Orville Rice and Kevin Hicks Rice.

Other survivors include a step-daughter, Autumn Johnson, two brothers, Chris Rice, Nedrow, NY and Calvin Masqua, two sisters, Shirley Mitchell (Tom), Oskaloosa and Jeanette Little Sun, Hoyt, two grandchildren, Brody and Blaine Weyand, and nieces and nephews.

Sylvia will lie in state from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, July 29th at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hoyt.  Native American Church services will be Saturday evening, July 29th at the Native American Church, west of Mayetta.  Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Sunday in the Mahkuk Cemetery.