Illa Maye Johnson was born the youngest of ten siblings on the family farm southwest of Glade on February 27, 1938 to William J. and Delphia F. (Bretton) Chestnut, and passed away on April 2, 2015 at the Phillips County Hospital surrounded by her family at the age of 77 years, one month, and 5 days.
Illa lived her entire life in Phillips County, Kansas. She attended the rural Harmony school and graduated from 8th grade in Glade. She worked at the Leydig Grocery Store and Café in Glade and later worked at the Phillips County Review until starting a family. Illa worked hard as a homemaker to provide for her family's every need. She prepared a home-cooked fried chicken meal every Sunday for lunch. The preparations for this meal started on Saturday and continued early Sunday morning. The meal was always ready soon after the family returned home from church. Illa enjoyed staying busy with her household work. After raising her family she enjoyed raising registered Golden Retrievers, Pugs, and Pekinese dogs for a number of years.
Illa was united in marriage to Doyle E. Johnson on September 16, 1961 at the First Church of God in Phillipsburg. To this union, three children were born: one daughter, Janet and two sons, Curtis and Kelly.
She faithfully attended the Community Church of God until her health no longer allowed her to do so. She enjoyed helping out in the church nursery for many years and could always be found in the church kitchen before and after potluck meals. Illa loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and started each day by reading the Bible. Christmas Eve was a special time with family and concluded with everyone enjoying Illa's Christmas punch, homemade fudge, and many other snacks.
Illa enjoyed gardening and cooking or canning the fruits of her labor. She also enjoyed working in the yard with Doyle in their retirement years and took pride in their work. Her grandchildren were a source of great joy and Illa had special moments with each one. When Emily visited, Illa would rise early to play Old Maid with her before anyone else was out of bed.
Illa was preceded in death by her parents, infant brother, David, brothers Dale, Glen, James, and William "Dude"; and sisters Ruby Calhoon, Irene Yocum, Lela Bard, and Thelma Braun.
She is survived by her husband of over 53 years, Doyle, of the home in Glade; her daughter, Janet Wahlmeier and husband Stan of Burlington, KS; her son, Curtis Johnson, of Plainville, KS; and her son Kelly Johnson and wife Anne of Lawrence, KS. She is survived by six grandchildren: Ranie, Mary, Luke, and Rose Wahlmeier; and Emily and Trevor Johnson; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be held Sat., April 4, at 2:00 p.m. in the Community Church of God, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Tim Kraft officiating.
Friends may sign the book Friday, April 3, from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Phillips County Hospital or the Community Church of God