Arla Mae Johnson, 82, Mt. Vernon, SD, died Tuesday, March 12, 2019 in Avera Queen of Peace Hospital. Visitation will be from 3-5 PM, with a prayer service at 4 PM, Sunday, March 17, 2019 at Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell.  The funeral will be 10:30 AM. Monday, March 18, 2019 at Storla Lutheran Church, Storla, SD. Burial will be in Victor Cemetery near Mount Vernon, SD.

She was born July 12, 1936 in Sioux Falls, SD to Peder and Clara Endahl and grew up on her parent's farm in Jerauld County, SD.

She was baptized in 1936 and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.  Arla attended Jerauld County elementary schools and graduated from Lane High School.  She graduated from Augustana College in June 1956 and was an elementary teacher at Tyndall, SD.  On March 22, 1958 she married Delbert Clayton Johnson at the Salem Lutheran Church in Mt. Vernon, SD.  They were members of the Victor Lutheran Church of rural Mount Vernon until it's closure and then they transferred their membership to Storla Lutheran Church in Aurora County.  She had very fond memories of her trips to Norway with her cousin who was like a brother, Art Ovrelid of Sioux Falls, SD and his wife Marcy and their wonderful daughters and grandchildren in the United States and the rest of the family in Norway.

Arla was a member of the Mt. Vernon American Legion Auxiliary and enjoyed the regular noon meals and fellowship at the Senior Center. She recently became a Charter Member of the Mt. Vernon Area Historical Society.

She is survived by a daughter; Linda S. Miller, Mt. Vernon, SD; three grandchildren; John Delbert Miller and his wife Brandi of Renner, SD, Duane Edward Miller of Letcher, SD, and Claudia Fern Miller of Montgomery, AL.  She is also survived by two very special great-granddaughters, Clara Miller and Mallory Miller and other dear relatives.

Arla was preceded in death by her husband Delbert, her parents, uncles and aunts and relatives in America and Norway.