The Sidney Sun-Telegraph - Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper

Ada (Nelson) Johnson of Sidney, NE passed away at the age of 109. Due to COVID-19, a service will be planned in the spring so that more family and friends may attend. Updated details will be posted by early March. A graveside burial was held on December 21, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. in Greenwood Cemetery in Sidney.

Please take the time to share favorite memories, stories or photos of Ada. They can be posted on her memory wall at http://www.gehrigstittchapel.com/memorials/ada-johnson/4455830/obituary.php or send an email to her grandchildren at [email protected]

Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Ada’s care and funeral arrangements.

She was born on Feb 11, 1911 to James Mehlsum and Gertrude Rasmussen Nelson on the family homestead 11 miles south of Potter. The 4th of 6 children, she enjoyed life on the farm and had many favorite memories of family and daily life. She was particularly fond of horseback riding.

Education was important to Ada. She attended a one-room school in Dye, NE, until the age of 11 when the family moved to Sidney and she enrolled in 7th grade. She took classes to become a teacher and taught in country schools until her marriage.

She married Ward Johnson in 1930. They raised 3 children; Woody, Jerry, and Jane who all preceded her in death. She is survived by 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. 

She enjoyed playing basketball in high school and listening to the Red Raider games on the radio. She was surprised on her 104th birthday by two of the basketball players. In addition to sports, she enjoyed reading, hunting, traveling and handcrafts.  She was strong, independent and resilient. Her love and great sense of humor will be missed.