Dorothy Ann Tarver Johnson, age 85, of Rapid City, SD, left her earthly family to be with the Lord in Heaven on November 14, 2011.

Dorothy was born in Aberdeen, SD, to Jewell and Mary Tarver on June 13, 1926. She obtained her diploma in nursing and was trained by the nuns at Aberdeen Presentation College. For the next 50 plus years, she cared for patients with deep compassion primarily at the Fort Meade VA. Even upon retirement, she had the strong desire to nurse and care for those in need through home health, the Red Cross, area nursing homes, and anybody she met that needed her help. Nursing was her life's calling as she brought comfort and God's love to all those around her. Two of her daughters followed her into the nursing profession.

She had eight siblings in her close-knit family. She was married on June 19, 1949, to Homer Johnson. They were blessed with five children.

Dorothy was known for her baked goodies, especially her frosted peanut butter cookies and rich chocolate brownies. She filled her home with many interesting antiques, yes, thrift store treasures, and a wonderful collection of toys and dolls. She was an avid reader and enjoyed keeping up on current events and never missed a day without Fox News.

Although she worked full-time in her chosen profession, she was always there for her family with an open heart and helpful advice. She was the rock on which all of her loved ones could gratefully depend. Her grandchildren were the apple of her eye. She volunteered at the Cornerstone Rescue Mission because she felt so strongly about helping those in need.

She attended First Christian Church with a passion for God and was thankful for a life full of blessings. Dorothy served her Lord in daily thought and deed. She looked forward to an eternal life in Heaven, free of physical pain and worry. She was, and will always be, a guiding spirit to her dear friends and family.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Ted & Jackie Johnson of Hurst, Texas; her daughter and son-in-law, Timur and Steve Coldwell, daughter and son-in-law, Taphne and Tom Blue, and daughter Tamara Gatzke, all of Rapid City. Also included in her loving family are nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Tarver Johnson.

A memorial has been established to the Cornerstone Rescue Mission in Rapid City.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 18, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. at First Christian Church in Rapid City with Pastor Scott Hultgren officiating. Interment will follow at Bear Butte Cemetery in Sturgis, SD, at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

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