Maryann Johnson
Maryann Tina George was born on Nov. 11, 1933, to Dennis and Anna (Kummer) George at their home near Johnson Corner. Maryann was the second of three children. David was older by five years and Donald was younger by five years.
The George family lived near Johnson Corner until David started high school in Watford City. The family purchased a house in Watford to stay in during the school year. Maryann attended the Watford City school until she was 13 years old. Due to an accident that left Maryann unable to walk for a year, she had to take a year off of school, which legend holds she mostly spent sweet talking her uncles into letting her ride horse. When she was able to return to school, instead of being one grade behind her classmates, she chose to finish school in Sanish. While completing high school, Maryann expanded her love of the outdoors to the sky, occasionally cutting class to take flying lessons in a Piper Cub. Even with those missed classes, Maryann graduated at the top of her class in the spring of 1951.
Shortly after graduation, Maryann married Norman Johnson at the First Lutheran Church of Watford City and they made their home in Watford City. Maryann and Norman welcomed four children to the world: Karen (1952), Dennis (1956), Curtis (1958), and Ann (1971).
Maryann’s love for the outdoors continued throughout her whole life. Some of her favorite activities were horseback riding and fishing. She could fillet a fish better than anyone else and enjoyed peaceful afternoons at the lake.
She was first and foremost an amazing farm and ranch wife, and a loving mother who taught her children innumerable life lessons throughout the years. She was a 4-H leader for many years and attended many high school events and plays to watch her children in their activities.
Maryann passed away peacefully at the McKenzie County Hospital on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Her mind was sharp, but her lungs and body said it was time to draw her last breath. We are all thankful to have had so many years with this most amazing lady!
Maryann was preceded in death by her parents, (Dennis and Anna George); brothers, David and Donald; uncle, Vonny; honorary uncle, Meno; husband, Norman; and son, Dennis.
Maryann is survived by her daughter, Karen (Ron) Broderson; granddaughter, Nancy (Brad) Broderson; daughter-in-law, Kathleen Johnson; grandson, Ariston (Anastasia) Johnson; granddaughter, Martine (Daniel) Kline, and their three children, (Aedric, Cressida, and Pippa); son, Curtis Johnson; granddaughter, Alyssa (Garth) Hagen, and their two children, (Laci and Carl); and daughter, Ann Marie Irizarry (nee Johnson).
Funeral Services were held Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Fulkerson Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Watford City, N.D. Chaplain Rob Favorite officiated. Maryann was laid to rest at Silent City Cemetery in Watford City, N.D. Visitation was held Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. at the Fulkerson Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Watford City, N.D. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Watford City, N.D., is assisting the family. Remembrances, condolences, and pictures may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com.