Mary Etta Johnson, 96 of New Sharon went to be with her Lord and Savior Friday morning, October 16, 2026, at Homestead Assisted Living in Oskaloosa. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 am Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Lacey Methodist Church with Pastor Dan Ridenour officiating. Burial will be held in the Union Mills Cemetery near Union Mills. Visitation will begin after 12:00 pm on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in New Sharon with the family present from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mahaska Health Partnership Hospice Serenity House, Lacey Methodist Church or the New Sharon Fire and Rescue. Holland-Coble Funeral Home of New Sharon is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Etta Johnson, daughter of Harry and Martha (Speas) Baughman, was born July 11, 1930, near Barnes City, Iowa. She graduated from Delta High School in 1948 and attended business school in Ottumwa for one year. On March 1, 1949, Mary Etta married Harry Johnson at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Together, they were blessed with four children: Cathy, Larry, Connie, and Scott. Harry and Mary Etta farmed south of Union Mills for many years. Mary Etta devoted herself to the life of a farmer’s wife, raising their children, caring for her family and driving the tractor when needed. She was a loving mother and a dedicated homemaker who took great pride in her family and the life they built together. Later, Mary Etta went to work as the school secretary at North Mahaska School, where she worked for several years. She continued working there part-time for several more years, becoming a familiar and valued presence in the school community.

Mary Etta was a woman of strong faith who was deeply involved in her church and community. She was a devoted member of Lacey Methodist Church, where she served on every board, taught Sunday school, led Bible study groups, and sang in the church choir. She generously volunteered at Bidwell Pantry and Clothing Store in Des Moines and with hospice. Mary Etta enjoyed tending her large garden, reading, playing cards and bowling, participating in several bowling leagues throughout the years. She enjoyed baking and was best known for her cinnamon rolls and her wedding cakes. Mary Etta was also a member of the PEL-MEL Ladies.

Her legacy will be cherished by her children, Cathy (Larry) LaRue of Virginia Beach, VA, Larry (Donna) Johnson of New Sharon, Connie (David) DeYoung of Des Moines and Scott (Kristen) Johnson of Murrieta, CA; 11 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Mary Etta was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harry Johnson; three sisters, Amy Baughman, Bertha Baughman and Eileen (Kenneth) Beattie and two brothers, Dwight Baughman and Robert (Cheryl) Baughman.