Kristen Ruth (Hurty) Johnson

Kristen was born to Rev. Robert and Helen (Davidson) Hurty, in Lindsburg, Kansas.  With her older sister, Carol, she rounded out the family to 4.  They moved several times during her childhood due to her father’s Lutheran ministry, but ended up in Boone, Iowa for the later years of her schooling.  She was a  synchronized swimmer,  flute player, and marched with the Boone HS Band in the 1963 Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, CA.  After graduating high school, she headed east to Iowa State University in Ames, where she majored in education and earned her teaching certificate. 

The biggest event at ISU was that she met the charming, goofy Stuart Johnson, an engineering major.  After graduating in 1969 and then marrying Stuart on February 22 that year, she taught while Stu finished his co-op education and his National Guard tour.  By 1970, they had moved to Minnesota, and in October of that year, they welcomed their only child, Amy Beth.  Landing in Mounds View by 1974, Kris substitute taught and was a great mom.  That year she was also diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.  She remained mostly unaffected by the MS in Minnesota, and was active in their church, local schools, and especially her family. 

In 1983 the family moved to Plano, Texas, for Stu’s job.  They lived there for 33 years.  Here Kris was very active in their church, and became a Stephen Minster for many years.  When Stu retired in the early 00’s, they started King of Glory Fellowship church in Richardson, Texas.  After many successful years with that, Stu and Kris moved to Albert City, Iowa, Stu’s hometown.  There they made many friends, participated in their church, and started the Helping Hand Pantry in downtown Albert City. 

Once Stu’s fronto-temporal dementia became more pronounced, they moved back to Plano to live in assisted and memory-care living.  Kris loved living at Auberge the last five years, staying incredibly active, making many good friends, and exploring her love of painting.  She loved being near her daughter and grandkids.  She is greatly missed by many, many people. 

Kris leaves behind her daughter, AmyB (David), and her two beloved grandchildren, Emma and Annabel.  She also leaves behind her sister, Carol (Gary), and lots of family and friends. 

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