Palma Johnson
Funeral services for Palma Johnson, 93, of Watford City, N.D., were held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 27, 2011, at the First Lutheran Church in Watford City. Interment took place in the Schafer Cemetery, Watford City. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com.
Palma was born on Aug. 15, 1918, to Peter and Ingeborg (Hovet) Tweden in Watford City, N.D. She graduated Valedictorian from Watford City High School in 1936. Her first year after high school was spent in Chicago as a nanny. Disliking the city, Palma moved back to Watford City, where she met Ray Johnson. Ray wished to be married as soon as possible, before Palma could change her mind. They were married in the First Lutheran Church on June 20, 1939. For twenty years they farmed north of Watford City, where they raised three daughters, Janice, Myrna, and Belle.
After Ray died in 1968, Palma made her home in Watford City, working at various businesses. She was a member of First Lutheran Church, Busy Hands Homemaker’s Club, Sons of Norway, the Frances Rebekah Lodge, the American Legion Auxiliary, the VFW, and the Young at Heart Choir. Having been born into a musical family, Palma enjoyed playing the piano and organ for more than 80 years.
Palma died Tuesday morning, Aug. 23, 2011, at the Good Shepherd Home in Watford City.
Palma is survived by her three daughters, Janice (Gerald) Leiseth, Watford City, Myrna (David) Wollan, Shelby, Mont., and Belle (Marshall) Bergerud, Killdeer, N.D.; four grandchildren, Tammy Pedersen, Joy Patten, Jason Leiseth, and Leif Bergerud; six great-grandchildren, Colt Pedersen, Erick Leiseth, Brady Leiseth, Tyler Leiseth, Austin Patten, and Kendra Patten; and a sister, Ethel Nelson, Spokane, Wash.
Palma was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents; brothers, Julian, Orian, and Harold; and sisters, Stella, Ida, Janet, Clara, and Florence.