Mary Lou Johnson passed away on October 16, 2019 at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell, SD after suffering a massive stroke. Her funeral service will be held Monday, October 21, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the Will Funeral Chapel 210 East Green Dr, Mitchell, SD.  Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sunday, October 20, 2019 also at the Will Funeral Chapel.

May Lou was born on March 26, 1929 at the Methodist Hospital in Mitchell to her parents, Ralph Juul and Nellie May (Kilstrom) Juul.

Mary Lou was united in marriage with Dean Johnson on August 22, 1949 and moved to Loomis, SD.  During their 35 years of marriage they raised 3 children, Terry, Vicki, and Rick.  In 1964 Mary Lou and Dean moved to Mitchell.  Previously Dean had started a partnership in a used farm machinery business named "D & L Implement".  Mary Lou served as the company bookkeeper.  Subsequently, the partnership was discontinued and Dean and Mary Lou started Dean Johnson Motor and Implement.  In 1969, Mary Lou and Dean built a campground located at I-90 and Betts Road named "Famil-E-Fun Campground".  Mary Lou was the manager of the campground and was the bookkeeper for both the implement business and the campground.  After Dean's death in June, 1984, Mary Lou attended an income tax preparation school.  She became known as the "Tax Lady" after starting "Mary Lou Johnson Income Tax Service".  She successfully prepared income tax returns until reaching age 89, some 33 years (1985-2018).  She loved the business and especially her clients and friends.  After retiring in 2019 at age 89, she often commented about missing the visits with her clients whom she considered friends.

Grateful for having shared her life are her furbaby, Shilo; three children, Terry D. Johnson, Vicki L. Johnson, and Rick W. (Kathy) Johnson, all of Mitchell; and granddaughter, Alexis J. Johnson, Sioux Falls.

Her parents, two brothers, Kenneth "Bud", and an infant Donnie as well as several aunts and uncles preceded her in death.

The family wishes to thank all at Avera Queen of Peace that helped make her final days comfortable and peaceful.  Words cannot convey our heartfelt appreciation for your efforts.