Z. Ilene Johnson

Z. Ilene Johnson, 89, of Pierre, SD, passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at Avera Maryhouse Nursing Home in Pierre.

A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Pierre, SD on Monday, October 5, 2020 at 11:00 AM.

Ilene was born in Mitchell, SD on March 12, 1931 to Charles (Chuck) and Dorothy Snow. She lived in Mitchell as a young child, as well as Ft. Pierre, SD, and then back to Mitchell.

On Oct. 31, 1950 she was united in marriage to Doyle D. Johnson of Mitchell. To this union 3 daughters were born, Marilee, Karen, and Kerry.

In 1966 the young family moved to Pierre, SD. During their time in Pierre, Ilene worked in a variety of administrative assistant positions, including Legislative Sessions, the SD State Attorney General’s office, May, Adam, Gerdes, and Thompson Law Firm, and BankWest.

Her personality, sense of humor, and love for her family was as strong as ever until the very end. Ilene enjoyed every aspect of her work and social life. She enjoyed a good visit along with a glass of her favorite wine, including the evening before she passed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Doyle, her parents, Chuck and Dorothy, and sister, Polly.

Ilene is survived by her daughters, Marilee Johnson-Geary, Mitchell, SD; Karen (John Alan) Palmer, Pierre, SD; and Kerry (Tom) Bowers, Pierre, SD. Her sister, Peggy (Larry) Hofmeister, Mountain Home, AR; nine grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and eight great-great grandchildren.

Friends and family may sign her online guestbook and leave written condolences for the family at blackhillsfuneralhome.com.