Idamay was born May 17, 1930, in Courtland, KS, to Lloyd Richard and Marguerite Muriel (Carlson) Lindberg. She passed away peacefully at her home May 22, 2023, at the age of 93 years and 5 days.
She grew up on the family farm and attended Courtland Public Schools. She graduated in 1948 with 19 students. On their Senior trip to Kansas City she got engaged to Bob Johnson.
On August 22, 1948, in a ceremony at her parent’s home she married Robert LeRoy Johnson. She and her husband, Bob Johnson, enjoyed half a lot on Q Street where he built a ranch style home and produced a large garden. In preparation for winter they processed a pickup load of field corn for the freezer, canned tomatoes and other vegetables from garden, plus froze 100 young chickens each fall for their family.
Three children were born: Doran Carl, Deanna Carol, and Muriel Jean. Her kitchen skills were enjoyed by family and friends. She always enjoyed setting a nice table when she had company for a meal, using her beautiful glass dishes and tablecloths. She liked baking pies, cookies, and breads. Closely embracing her Swedish heritage, she included making rye bread, ostakaka, and spritz cookies at Christmas. Idamay cherished her two grandsons (Chad and Darin) living nearby and teaching them how to cook, in fact lovingly referred to them as “MY boys”.
First and primary employment was Southwestern Bell Telephone beginning July 1948. She worked in Belleville then transferred to Concordia. She retired at age 52 in 1982 – 34 years. She and coworker, Betty Passmore, celebrated retirement with a cruise trip. She then worked at The Century Shop, Citizens National Bank, and the Travel Information Center. Bob Johnson passed away February 1993.
Following retirement she began going to estate auctions and purchasing antiques as a hobby. Her focus was vintage dolls 1800s to 1920s, and miniature porcelain shoes. She married Gerald A. Sothers on July 23, 1994, and relocated to Courtland, KS. Her time in Courtland was spent participating in the Courtland Arts Council, Red Hats, various card groups, Methodist Women, Eastern Star 50 yr. member, Courtland Library, and Courtland Pride.
March 2010 they became legal guardians of Quinn A. Sothers – great granddaughter. Quinn was a welcome addition and remained living with them till 2022.
Idamay enjoyed music: she played trombone in high school and sang in the choir. She resumed piano lessons after retirement with first teacher Charlotte Seybold. Later weekly private lessons were given by Pam McGregor which brought her much joy as she came to her home as a teacher and dear friend. She enjoyed keeping in touch with people she loved by telephone calls and sending cards to recognize their special celebrations.
Idamay enjoyed nine decades of divine health thanks to Jan Carlson as her health advocate. She accepted Jesus as her Savior. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” IF you miss heaven you missed it all!
Idamay was an example of the Proverbs 31 woman: “She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future when she speaks, her words are wise and she gives instructions with kindness.” (Proverbs 31: 25-26).
She is preceded in death by her parents: Lloyd and Marguerite Lindberg; husband, Bob Johnson; siblings: Dean Lindberg and his wife, Donna; Norma Jean (Lindberg) Feigley and her husband, Robert. Her son, Doran Johnson; son-in-law John Reynolds, and step daughter, Sherry (Sothers) Hager.
Memories of Idamay will be cherished forever by family and friends. Husband, Gerald. Daughters – Deanna Reynolds of Joplin, MO. and Muriel (Sandie) Bonsall of Fowler, KS. Daughter-in-law Marilyn Johnson of Salina, KS. Grandchildren: Chad Novotny and Nicole Etzler of Lake Lotawana, MO., Darin (Shannon) Novotny and their 2 children – Matthew and Madeleine of Overland Park, KS. John (Mindy) Johnson of Salina, KS. and their 2 children- Allen and Cameron. Scott (Allissa) Johnson of Mustang, OK. and their 2 children- Tylor Benton and Savanna. Nieces: Jolene Kurtz of Salina and 3 children: Brad, Jared, and Jill; Jean Ann (Dan) Aker of Abilene and 3 children: Ben, Joe, and Marie; Debra Miller and 4 children: Brian, Sarah, Seth, and Adam; Jeanette (Craig) Elliott of Courtland, KS. and 3 children: Michael, Matthew, and Jennifer; Barbara Lindberg-Price and 2 children: Daniel and Angela; Nephews: Gary (Amy) Feigley of Abilene, KS. and Richard (Melanie) Lindberg of Courtland, KS., and 3 children: Renea, Carlyle and Breonna.
Additional family: Rodney (Diane) Sothers of Concordia, KS. and their 3 children; Kyle, Kelsey, and Krystin. Jann (Mark) Gieber of Belleville, KS. and 2 children Caleb and Seth. Ryan Sothers and Shari Johnson of Jamestown, KS.; and Quinn Sothers of Belleville, KS.
Memorial services will be at 11:00 am on Monday, June 5, 2023, at the United Methodist Church in Courtland with Pastor Sandra Jellison-Knock officiating. Lunch will follow at Courtland Arts Council.
A private family inurnment will occur at a later date at the Courtland Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to “Grandmas for a Cause” or the United Methodist Church, and may be sent in care of Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, PO Box 566, Belleville, KS, 66935.
Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home is assisting Idamay’s family with these arrangements, www.tibbettsfishcherfuneralhome.com.