Joyce Aileen Bafus Johnson, lifelong resident of Endicott, passed away peacefully at her home at Cityview Adult Family Home in Colfax, March 16, 2018. She was 93.

Aileen was born at the family home November 4, 1924, to Carl and Sarah Kleweno Bafus. She grew up on the family farm with her twin sister, Elaine, younger sister, Joanne, and younger brother, Edgar. She started school in 1930, graduating from Endicott High School with the first war-time class during World War II. One of Aileen's school-day memories was when the first yellow school bus came out their way after the Thera School District consolidated with the Endicott School District in the mid-1930's. Aileen attended the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Endicott, where she was baptized and confirmed.

Aileen married Charles Dale Johnson May 30, 1942. They lived in Vancouver, Washington until Dale was inducted into the Army Air Corps in September of that year. Aileen was able to live in Wichita Falls, Texas, near where Dale was stationed at Sheppard Field until he left for Italy for overseas service. After living and working in various places Aileen enlisted in the Marine Corps and was stationed at Camp Lejune, North Carolina. The war ended in August of 1945 and she decided she should come home to be with her husband and was able to be discharged in October. They lived in Vancouver where their daughters, Sylvan and Christine, were born in 1946 and 1947.

In March of 1948 they moved to Endicott to the farm where Aileen's father taught Dale how to farm. Their son, Charles, was born in 1950, and son, David, was born in 1956. They farmed until 1983 when Dale retired and they moved to town.

Aileen was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, serving as Sunday School treasurer for over twenty years, holding offices in the Iris Circle and Women of the Church group. She taught Sunday School for several years. She was a member of the Lady Jaycees. She was a charter member of the Women in Military Service for America, Eastern Washington Chapter of the Women Marines Association, life-member of the WMA, and was precinct committee officer of the County Republican Party for many years. She was also a member of the Whitman County Historical society. She was a member of Winona Grange for ten years. She worked in the Grange Insurance Claims office in Colfax for nearly ten years as an assistant secretary.

Aileen is survived by her children, Sylvan Johnson of Seattle, Christine Johnson of Pasadena, CA, Charles Johnson (and wife Joanne) of Cornelius, OR, and David Johnson (and wife Pam) of Endicott. She also leaves behind four grandchildren, Jamaica Kompier of Seattle, Charlie Johnson of Portland, Eric Johnson (and wife Goldie) of LaGrande, OR, and Trevor Johnson (and wife Jenn) of Endicott, and four great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Dale, who passed away in 2006, she was preceded in death by sister, Laverne (1929), brother Edgar Bafus, sister Joanne Martin, and twin sister, Elaine Poffenroth.

There will be a graveside service at the Endicott Cemetery at 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 24, 2018 with a luncheon following at Trinity Lutheran Church. The family suggests memorial gifts made in her honor to Trinity Lutheran Church. On-line guest book is at www.bruningfuneralhome.com

Bruning Funeral Home, Colfax, is in charge of the arrangements.