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Rochelle Valene Johnson

Rochelle Johnson

AMES — Rochelle Valene Johnson, 86, of Ames, Iowa, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2023, at Eastern Star Masonic Home in Boone, Iowa. A celebration of life will be held at Stevens Memorial Chapel, Ames, Iowa, on February 25, 2023. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. with a service following at 2:00 p.m.

Rochelle was born on July 25, 1936, in Webster City, Iowa, to Melvin and Grace (Vulgamott) Wehrheim. She graduated from Webster City High School in 1954.

She married Richard Hanson on March 20, 1955, and to this union, four children were born. They divorced, and she later married Iver Johnson on December 6, 1986.

Before retiring, she had been active as an accomplished bookkeeper and part-time accountant in Iver’s business in Phoenix, Arizona. She enjoyed researching family history with genealogy and had several articles published in genealogy magazines. She also wrote a historical memoir of the first indoor Wehrheim Sale Barn in Webster City, Iowa, honoring her father and grandfather. Rochelle loved spending time with her family, especially at birthday and holiday gatherings. She also liked puzzles, reading, collecting owls, going to movies, listening to music, playing cards, and Sudoku.

Rochelle is survived by her husband of 36 years, Iver; her four children, Susan Headley of Jewell, Iowa, Debra Tjernagel of Ames, Iowa, Alan (Rhonda) Hanson of Ellsworth, Iowa, and Michael (Deborah) Hanson of Story City, Iowa; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Gail (Donnie) Glymph; and many nieces and nephews. In addition, Iver’s three children, originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Christian Johnson, Roberta Anderson, and Brad Johnson along with two grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Grace Wehrheim; sisters, Julie Gooch and Jackie Roe; son-in-law, Marshall (Monte) Headley; and granddaughter, Angela Headley.

Rochelle was extremely loved and is leaving a legacy of many beloved family and friends. She will be greatly missed!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.StevensMemorialChapel.com for the family.

Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association in her name.