The Richmond News, May 23, 2025

Eva Johnson

Eva Helen Ball Johnson, 91, of Mound City passed away Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Tiffany Heights, Mound City. Eva Helen was born Sept. 2, 1933, in Fairfax to William Joseph and Helen Herma (Bayha) Ball. She married Dean Johnson of Fairfax on June 9, 1951. Dean preceded her in death on Nov. 6, 2011. Eva is survived by four children and their spouses: Janet Deane Weidner of Gold Canyon, Ariz.; Dr. Lt. Col. (Retired) Eva Joan “Joni” and Michael Graff of Braymer; Jayson L. and Ruth Johnson of Mound City; and Jeremy Dean and Trisha Johnson of St. Joseph. Other survivors include nine grandchildren and their spouses: Michael Dean (Katelyn) Goslee, Dr. Julee Weidner (Ruben Sanchez), Brooke (Jess) Berkey, Kristin Eva (Joshua) Luttrell, Brittany (Brandon) Walker, Brett (Lexi) Johnson, Elizabeth (Barron) Roberts, Katherine Johnson and Gabe Johnson.

She also is survived by 11 great-grandchildren: Carter, Callee and Cayden Goslee; Jaiden, Adison Dean and Joshua Luttrell; William and Jack Dean Berkey; Eva Mae, Colin Dean and Meredith Rose Walker. Also cherishing her memory are one sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Robert Jones, Fairfax; one sister-in-law, Betty Jane Johnson, Fairfax; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, Eva Helen was preceded in death by four brothers, William Herman Ball, Warren C. Ball, R. Edward Ball and Marion K. Ball; one sister, Evelyn A. Whitford; two nephews, David J. Ball and Ray A. Ball; one great-nephew, Kyle Arnold; and son-inlaw, Denny Weidner.

Eva Helen was a homemaker and involved with farming her entire life. as a member of the Omega Club in Mound City, serving as an officer in various capacities throughout the years. Eva also was a member of the Neighborhood Club.

Eva Helen and Dean were highly active with the Mound City Museum Association.

She was a lifelong Methodist, first attending the Fairfax Methodist Church and later joining the Mound City United Methodist Church. She was always active in the United Methodist Women organization.

She was a 1951 graduate of Fairfax High School and a proud member of the Fairfax Alumni Association. Eva especially enjoyed the annual Fairfax alumni banquets and the opportunity to reminisce with classmates and friends.

She was a proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, highly involved in all their lives and activities. She especially enjoyed the holidays and celebrating their birthdays.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Mound City United Methodist Church and Mount Hope Cemetery.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 23, at the Mound City United Methodist Church. Visitation was scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 22, at Chamberlain Funeral Home in Mound City. Interment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery in Mound City.

Chamberlain Funeral Home of Mound City and Thurman Funeral Home of Richmond are in charge of the arrangements.

Please share your memories of Eva Helen with the family at www.thurmanfuneral home.com.