Jean Colvin Smith Johnson, age 97, of Sun City, Ariz., formerly of Owatonna, died on Aug. 23, 2011, at Royal Oaks Care facility in Sun City, Ariz.

She was born on Feb. 18, 1914, at Plainview to Dr. Erwin E. Smith and Agnes Colvin Smith. She graduated from Plainview High School in 1932, attended Macalester College and then graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1936, with a degree in journalism. She worked briefly for a newspaper in Farmer City, Ill., before she met and married Hjalmer J. Johnson in 1938.

Jean was the granddaughter of pioneers who settled in the Plainview area. Her father was a dentist, businessman and community leader in Plainview. Jean was herself active in many community, church, political and social organizations in Plainview, Owatonna and at the Royal Oaks community in Sun City.

Her hobbies included writing, corresponding, bridge and activities at her lake home in Elysian.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Hjalmer in 1978, and her sister Margaret Smith in 2000.

Survivors include her children James (Shelly) Johnson of Marquette, Mich., and Green Valley, Ariz.; Janet (Rory) Mattson of Albert Lea, and Craig (Jane) Johnson of Austin. Others surviving are grandchildren Kevin Johnson, Kris (Carla) Johnson, Kelly (Rich) Lopez, Kate (Greg) Borzick, Brian Mattson, Dr. Leah (David) Johnson, Jared (Laura) Johnson, Cameron Johnson and Britt (David) Collier, 10 great-grandchildren and niece Anne Smith Howard.

There will be a private, family graveside service in Plainview at a date and time to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be given to charities of the donor’s choice.