Gwen Marilyn Johnson

Gwen Marilyn Johnson, 77, of Ogallala, passed away on Oct. 18, 2026, due to a tragic car accident.

Gwen was born on October 10, 1949, in Sidney, Nebraska, to Kermit and Marjorie (Sahs) Nelson. She shared many childhood memories on the farm with her brother, Gene. They both attended Dalton Public Schools, and she graduated in 1967. Gwen attended Kearney State College, where she made many lifelong friends and met her husband, Terry. She graduated in 1971 with a degree in Home Economics and loved her time teaching in Elm Creek and at Grand Island Senior High School. She only taught for a couple of years, but used her many skills teaching her daughters to cook and sew. She loved sharing "the right way" to do just about anything, not only as a 4-H leader, but truly to anyone lucky enough to be in her presence.

Gwen was united in marriage to Terry Rand Johnson on July 23, 1972, in Dalton, Nebraska. The couple lived in Lexington and soon after moved to Grand Island. They moved to North Platte when Terry was transferred there by the IRS. It was there that they welcomed twin daughters, Darcy and Mandy, in 1976. After a brief stay in Scottsbluff, they moved to Ogallala, where Gwen supported Terry as he opened an accounting firm. They welcomed their third daughter, Kacey, in 1982. In each town, she brought beauty to their home not only with her on-point decorating but with her joyful personality and welcoming hospitality. Gwen loved being a stay-at-home wife and mother where she loved preparing home-cooked meals for her family.

Gwen was a faithful and active member of the Methodist Church and instilled her Christian faith and love of God in her daughters. She devoted countless hours to the OPTIMISM Puppet Team.

Gwen was a valuable member of her PEO Chapter, Methodist Women, Christian Women, Birthday Club, and Bible study. She loved being involved in many card clubs and was always thrilled when she won a few dollars. She loved playing hymns on the piano and organ.

Gwen and Terry spent almost 53 wonderful years together. They loved traveling together, whether it was a quick trip to see their kids and grandkids or a cross-country road trip. They also loved scouting out local joints to grab a quick bite. Gwen truly fulfilled the vow of "in sickness and health" as she lovingly cared for Terry through his health trials.

She cherished being Grandma Gwen, also lovingly referred to as GG. She was her grandkids' biggest cheerleader and was so excited to be moving closer so she could attend more of their many activities. To know her was to love her! She could make a friend out of anyone with her outgoing personality, positivity, helpful spirit, and eternal optimism. Gwen's legacy is one of faith, selflessness, strength, and love. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Gwen was preceded in death by her husband, Terry; parents, Kermit and Marjorie (Sahs) Nelson; parents-in-law, Clarence and Ruth Johnson; sister-in-law, Carolyn Bluel; brothers-in-law, Bob Schwenk, Dennis Bluel, and Doug Johnson; and many other loved ones.

Survivors include brother, Gene of Dalton; daughters, Darcy Johnson of Fremont, Mandy (Dave) LeTexier of Fremont, and Kacey (Kent) Koch of Grand Island; grandchildren, Mallory, Brycen, and Liam Lackey, Scarlett, Eleanor, and Vivan Koch, Erin (Dan) Holt and Taylor LeTexier; great-grandchildren, Avery and Alden Holt; sisters-in-law, Barbara Schwenk of Arvada, Colorado, and Nancy Johnson of Houston, Texas; brother-in-law, Scott (Deb) Johnson of Casa Grande, Arizona; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

A celebration of life will be held Monday, October 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Church in Ogallala, with Pastor Bill Williams officiating. Burial will take place at a later date at the Eustis East Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to support causes that were important to Gwen. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.