Helen Lucille McDowell Johnson

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Feb. 23, 1924 - Jan. 23, 2013

ARVADA, Colorado -- Helen Lucille McDowell Johnson passed away peacefully under the loving care of her son, Milton, in her home on Jan. 23, 2013, around 6 p.m. in the evening after a vicious month-long battle with cancer.  

Lucille was born in Denver, Colorado on Feb. 23, 1924, to Elzy Newton "Mac" McDowell of Parnell, Missouri and Grace Dolph Hayward of Palisade, Nebraska. Lucille's older sibling and only brother, Edward Hayward McDowell, was born in Brush, Colorado. After Lucille was born, the family moved to Central City, Colorado, to raise peas. A late snow storm, however, devastated the crop. The family then moved to Hayes Center, Nebraska. Lucille's two younger sisters, Dewinta Grace McDowell and Joan Dolph McDowell, were born in McCook, Nebraska.  

Lucille graduated from Hayes Center High School in 1942. She and her mother came to Denver, Colorado to work and attend school. Grace worked as a nurse at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center. While caring for the men back from the war, she met Rolla Ellis Johnson and told him she had a daughter that he needed to meet. Rolla met Lucille and after a few dates, Rolla asked Lucille to go to Moab, Utah to meet his parents. Rolla and Lucille were married in Moab on Dec.17, 1944. To this union Milton Ellis Johnson was born.   

Work became scarce in Utah, so the family moved to Hayes Center. While there, their second son, Melvin Louis Johnson, was born in McCook. The family moved to Golden and then Wheat Ridge, Colorado, finally buying a home in Arvada, Colorado, where Lucille enjoyed her garden for many decades.

Lucille joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1963. She served in numerous callings in the church, including home-making instructor, Relief Society president and visiting teacher, until her health prevented her from participating as she would have liked. Lucille was also active in family history. Lucille will be greatly missed by church members and her longtime friends from club.  

Lucille was preceded in death by her parents; husband; several nieces and nephews; brother, Ed; sister, Dewinta and son, Melvin.   

She is survived by son, Milton of Denver; sister, Joan of McCook; three grandsons, Brian Edwin Johnson, Aaron Michael Johnson, and David Warren Johnson; three great-grandchildren, Samantha Lynn Vanderzouwen, Collin Wayne Johnson and Madison Grace Johnson; and other nieces and nephews.   Visitation was Monday, Jan. 28, 2013, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Horan and McConaty Family Chapel, 7577 West 80th Avenue, Arvada, CO 80003. Funeral services were Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013, 10 a.m. at Arvada Stake Center, 7080 Independence Street, Arvada, CO 80004. 

Lucille will be laid to rest with her beloved husband, Rolla, at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.  Please share condolences at HoranCares.com.