Constance “Connie” Johnson

Constance “Connie” Johnson passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on October 2, 2016, surrounded by her family.

She was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on February 25, 1921, and was raised in Erwin, South Dakota. She taught in a one-room schoolhouse for several years before marrying the love of her life, Johnny, on August 29, 1945. For the first 10 years of their marriage, they farmed in eastern South Dakota, where their daughters, Marcy and Kathy, were born. They moved to the Black Hills to operate the “How Dee Do Motel” and added two more daughters, LuAnn and Lana. In 1960 they moved their family to Ojai, California, and lived there for over 50 years. Connie moved to Vista del Monte in Santa Barbara four years ago where she received loving support and care.

Her passions centered around her family. She loved sewing, crafts, camping, nature, and helping others. Johnny was an avid fisherman, and Connie was famous for her expert fish-fileting skills! They spent 10 wonderful summers as campground hosts near Mt. Rushmore. They also volunteered countless hours at Noah’s Ark Preschool and Isla Vista Youth Projects. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

She is survived by her daughters Marcy Owens (Bob) of Los Osos; Kathleen Wilson-Terry (Mike) of Avila Beach; LuAnn Miller (Bill) of Goleta; and Lana Arnold (Rus) of Oliver, Georgia. She was “Mimi” to Steve Wilson (Kammi); Ryan Miller (Jenna); Nathan Miller; Tyler and Tanner Starbard; and Naomi, Zachary and Madison Arnold. She was blessed with two great-grandsons, Wyatt and Walker Wilson. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, Clifford “Johnny” Johnson.

Connie will be dearly missed, but we are grateful for sharing a life well lived and a woman well loved.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, October 16, at 1:00 p.m. at Goleta Presbyterian Church. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Isla Vista Youth Projects in Isla Vista.