Lorena R. Johnson

Lorena R. Johnson, 90, of Aledo, died Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, at Genesis Senior Living, Aledo. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at Speer Funeral Home, Aledo. The funeral will take place at the Messiah Lutheran Church, Aledo, on Saturday, Nov. 14, beginning at 2 p.m. Lorena was born March 18, 1925, in Chicago, the daughter of Ernest and Nelle Aaronson Riddell. She married Ernest R. Johnson on Dec. 1, 1944, at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Aledo. He preceded her in death on Feb. 7, 1975. Lorena was a homemaker and bookkeeper for her husband's business, Johnson Excavating Service. She also was employed at the Mercer County Clerk and Recorder's office for Marian Miller, county clerk. Lorena was elected Mercer County Clerk in 1978, and served in that capacity from 1978 to 1990, when she retired. She was a longtime member of the Messiah Lutheran Church, serving on the Altar Guild, a member of Hope Circle and the Stitch and Chatter Sewing Circle. Lorena was known as "Weenie" by all of her family and friends. She enjoyed baking pies, crossword puzzles and was an avid reader of books. Lorena was very patriotic; she loved her country, her community and Aledo Green Dragon football. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Survivors include her daughters, Vicki McAlister, Coal Valley, and Susie Lafferty, Aledo; son, Rex (Connie) Johnson, Aledo; and three sisters, Roberta Ogren, Coos Bay, Ore., Donna Johnson and Ernestine Sedig, both of Aledo; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; infant son, Douglas Johnson; daughter, Kathy Johnson; and son-in-law, Butch Lafferty. Memorials may be left to the Mercer Carnegie Library.