Phyllis Arlene “Rosie” Johnson, age 85, of Newell, South Dakota entered this life on May 4, 1940 to Johanna (Williams) and Andy Martin Roos in Adrian, Minnesota. Rosie graduated from high school in Carthage, South Dakota, with the Class of 1958. On June 5th of that same year, Rosie was united in marriage to Kenneth Wayne Johnson. The couple was blessed with three children, Vicki Diane, Brenda Kay, and Monty Allen. The young family began their journey in Carthage, later moving to Monroe and Marion, following Ken’s jobs, until settling in Newell, South Dakota, in 1974. Upon moving to Newell, Rosie worked as the front desk administrator of The Valley Irrigator, the weekly newspaper. She also served many years as a volunteer EMT in Newell. In her spare time, Rosie enjoyed bowling, playing women’s softball, reading, crafting, crocheting, and making “a jillion” jars of jelly each year to give as gifts. She loved tending to her flowers and feeding the birds. She and Ken boarded many country kids who stayed in town so they could attend high school in Newell and the Johnson's considered them as part of the family. Rosie also enjoyed staying in contact with family members, following her children’s, grandchildren’s, and great grandchildren’s activities and accomplishments. In her later years, Rosie was on her computer daily, staying in touch with those close to her, and she spent countless hours compiling family photo albums and doing genealogy to give account of the family legacy to her loved ones. She crafted unique Christmas ornaments to give to her family including one that used a beautiful arrangement of pheasant feathers. One of Rosie’s hidden talents was budgeting and investing to provide for the family’s secure future. Surrounded by family and friends, Rosie, was fitted with her angel wings while under hospice care at her winter apartment in Marion, South Dakota, on December 15, 2025.

Rosie will be missed by daughters Vicki Stark of Nisland, South Dakota, Brenda (Terry) Burge of Marion, South Dakota and son, Monty (Beth) Johnson of Madison, Indiana; grandchildren Robert Burge, and significant other, LeAnn Peterson and her son Julian of Lino Lakes, Minnesota, Brian Burge of Beresford, South Dakota, Crystal (Mike) Cunningham of Crestwood, Kentucky, Logan (Lina) Raths of Sturgis, South Dakota, Stephanie (Bryant) Fuchs of Bowman, North Dakota, Jennifer (Evan) Hamilton of Madison, Indiana, and Daniel “Trapper” Johnson; great-grandchildren Clara, Oscar, and Walter “Wally” Burge; Emma, Samantha and Henry Cunningham; Evelyn and Aubrey Raths; Elianna and Vance Fuchs; Alyeska and Asher Hamilton; sister-in-law: Barb (Arny) Roos of Peoria, Arizona; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. A friend of special note, Marcella “Marcie” Hatfield of Newell, South Dakota and Enid, Oklahoma, also survives, to whom family are deeply grateful for her loving care and friendship she provided to both Rosie and Ken throughout the years, and especially during Rosie’s final days. Rosie was preceded in death by her parents, Johanna and Andy Martin Roos; sister, Dorothy (Eugene) Higgins; brothers, Arny Roos and Sonny Roos; granddaughter, Lynn Burge; son-in-law, Peter Stark and other relatives. Rosie’s husband of 67 years, Kenneth Johnson, died on August 5, 2026.

Rosie will be laid to rest in the Pleasant View Cemetery in Carthage, South Dakota, following a Celebration of Life Service in Newell, South Dakota, both of which will be held at a later date. Condolences to the family may be sent to: Rosie Johnson Family, P.O. Box 413, Madison, IN 47250.

Rosie’s life will be celebrated at Kinkade Funeral Chapel on September 11, 2026 at 11:00. She will be laid to rest in the Pleasant View Cemetery in Carthage, South Dakota. Condolences to the family may be sent to: Ken and Rosie Johnson Family, P.O. Box 413, Madison, IN 47250.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to Pleasant View Cemetery, Carthage, South Dakota, remembering that today is only temporary, however, our local cemeteries to whom we entrust our loved ones require care forever. Pleasant View Cemetery Association, PO Box 131, Carthage, SD 57323.

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