Ilene May Johnson, daughter of Nathan and Gertrude (Ormsbee) Garber, was born on May 17, 1933, in Superior, Nebraska. She passed away on March 20, 2025, at Bryan East Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska, at the age of 91 years, 10 months, and 3 days.

Ilene graduated from Superior High School in 1950. She then moved to Kansas City, MO where she worked for the Southern Bell Telephone Company. She relocated to Topeka, KS where she married Paul J. Wagner on July 3, 1952. Their son, Randall, was born in September, 1953 in Salina, KS. They then moved to Los Angeles, CA where their daughter, Rita, was born in December, 1954. Ilene later returned to Superior, NE with her young children.

On February 12, 1965, she married Basil W. Johnson and they made their home in Davenport, NE. Their son, Russell, was born in April 1966 in Hebron, NE and a baby daughter was stillborn in June 1969.

Ilene was active in her community and involved in many organizations over the years: the Davenport American Legion Auxiliary, where she served as President; the Ruskin American Legion Auxiliary; the Eagles; Nuckolls County W.I.F.E.; the Lutheran Church Women; Davenport Women's Club; and the Christian Women's Club. She served as a Girl Scout leader and Cub Scout den mother. While living in CA, she attended North Redondo Beach Chapel. After settling back in NE, she became a member of Christ Lutheran Church, where she remained active for many years.

Ilene taught herself how to play the organ and would sing while she played. She was a very good vocalist and often sang solos in the community. She especially enjoyed working with the children at the church in Oak, NE. and directed the youth singing group, The County Liners. She had a love for travel, especially with her twin sister, Arlene, and Basil. Basil and Ilene enjoyed square dancing together and she was always up for a game of cards. She also cherished the companionship of her dogs throughout her lifetime.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Basil; her stillborn daughter; her twin sister, Arlene Jacoby; and her sister, Donna Christiansen.

Ilene is survived by her children: Randall Wagner (Maggie), Rita Hautzenroder (Mike) and Russ Johnson (Heather); step-daughter, Lucinda Ward; grandchildren: Angi (Jae), Annie May (Preston), Jon (Shaundra), Victoria (Mark), Olivia and Sophia; step-grandchildren: Melissa (Pat), April (Eugene), Lindsey (Joey), Kelsey, Dylan (Hanah), and Nic; great-grandchildren: Zeneca, Nehemiah, Ezariah, Evelia, Evelyn, and Francis; along with many nieces, nephews, great step-grandchildren, great-great-step-grandchildren and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Megrue-Price Funeral Home in Superior, Nebraska, with John D. Price officiating.

Ilene requested no flowers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Superior City Auditorium. Condolences may be sent to Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N. Commercial, Superior, Nebraska 68978, or online at www.pricefuneralhomes.com.