Mary Beth Johnson, 54, formerly of Appleton, died Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016, at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis.

A celebration of her life memorial service is pending, and will be at Salem Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. Burial will also be in Albert Lea.

Mary was born Dec. 18, 1961, to Curtis and Gloria Johnson at Appleton Hospital. She was baptized Dec. 31, 1961, and confirmed April 24, 1977, both at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton. She started school in Halstad where her parents owned the newspaper, but grew up in Appleton when her parents purchased the local newspaper there in 1972.

Mary graduated with the Appleton High School class of 1980. She attended Concordia College in Moorhead, graduating in 1984 with a degree in fine arts.

For most of her working years, Mary was a nanny in New Jersey and New York. She returned to Minnesota to work in Milan in telemarketing for a time, but then returned to New York. Once again returning to Minnesota, she resided in Albert Lea, working at K.C. Pottery in Hollandale.

Mary enjoyed life. She loved singing, reading, acting, crafts and art, especially drawing, playing cards and games, and being with her family. With her laptop she was able to play games with people from all over the world.

A member of Salem Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, Mary was a Sunday school teacher and a member of the choir.

Mary died at the age of 54 years, 11 months and 26 days of complications from diabetes.

Mary is survived by her parents Curtis and Gloria Johnson of Appleton; sister, Karen, and Randy Rugroden of Albert Lea; nephew, Nathan Rugroden, of Albert Lea; and niece, Stacey, and Eric Cornelson and their daughter, Lilliana, of Valley Park, Missouri; and numerous other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Carrie Marie; grandparents Gilbert and Gitta Ulstad and Bennie and Carrie Johnson; and other aunts, uncles, nephews and cousins.