Vera M. Johnson-Harder

Vera M. Johnson-Harder, 103, of Hazard, died Sunday, October 22, 2017 at Good Samaritan Society in Ravenna. Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at Hazard Methodist Church in Hazard, Nebraska. Visitation will be one hour prior to service at the church. O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home is serving the family. Vera Mae Johnson-Harder was born on May 29, 1914 to pioneer parents, Carl and Cora (Smith) Rasmussen on a farm south of Hazard, Nebraska. These were hard times. She was the oldest daughter and third sibling of a family of 8. She attended Buffalo County Sweetwater School through the 8th grade and then stayed home to help with her siblings and the family farm. Vera would meet the love of her life, Truman (T.J.) Johnson at a local dance. They would later marry on April 16th, 1932. She and Truman would continue to dance together for 51 years until his death in 1983. Blessed to this union were twin daughters, Donna and Darlene. After their marriage, Truman & Vera lived on various farms in the Sweetwater and Hazard areas. They worked side-by-side while raising their twin daughters. Life was not easy. They had to hand pick the corn at harvest time. They raised their own livestock, chickens, garden and milked cows for a majority of their food. Very little was bought in town because there was not enough money for those expenses. They lived through the dirty thirties among other hardships but always made sure birthdays and Christmases were special for their girls. In 1945, they moved into the town of Hazard. Truman continued his farming. They boarded school teachers for additional income. Vera later attended beauty school. Upon graduating, she set-up a salon in her home and continued styling hair for 29 years. Vera always took a lot of pride in her work and also on how she looked. At 103, she still wanted her hair to look nice. Vera enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Family was very important. She and Truman hosted many picnics for the Rasmussen and Johnson gatherings. They also entertained many neighbors, friends and family playing cards. They looked forward to the times they were able to travel to visit family, especially to see their daughter, Donna and her family in Wyoming. Vera was baptized and joined into the membership of the Hazard United Methodist Church in 1947. She was a member of the Women’s Society and held various offices within the church. She continued to attend services there even after turning a 100 years old. On October 23rd, 1986, Vera would marry a long time friend, Maxwell Harder of Cairo, Nebraska. She and Max were able to celebrate 10 years of marriage before his passing. They enjoyed living in her home in Hazard, traveling and dancing. Vera was able to care for herself in her home until she was 97. She then moved to Ravenna, NE into assisted living and then the nursing home until the time of her passing. There are many fond memories of Vera. Her hugs and kisses. Her love for babies and family. Her style, beauty and grace. Her wit, her beautifully decorated home. Her holiday gatherings. Her ability to draw pictures of farm animals for her grandchildren and other children upon their prodding. Letting her grandchildren play “hairdresser” in her beauty shop and then styling their hair. The pride that she had for her beautiful yard and her flower garden which she loved to share with friends and family. The smell of her wonderful cooking. She could make the best fried chicken, potato salad, baked beans and homemade chicken & noodles just to name a few. To see her sitting in her chair in the evenings reading her bible, a Harlequin novel or working a word search puzzle book. Her immense love for dancing which she greatly missed in her latter years. Vera saw countless changes, received abundant love and suffered considerable loss during her lifetime. Her faith always remained strong. In her final days she reminded us that we all need to listen to the good Lord, work hard, take care of each other, be kind and make sure no one goes hungry, especially children. She also told us how great God is and what a good man Jesus is. She reminded us that we are to be nice and always honor Them. Left to treasure her memory are her loving daughter and caretaker, Darlene Hughes of Hazard; grandsons(spouses): David Hughes (Judy) of Hazard; Scott Hughes (Jennifer) of Gering; John Lueders (Donna) of Buffalo, Wyoming; Rob Lueders (Shirley) of Buffalo, Wyoming; granddaughters (spouses): Gay Warner of Kearney; Linda Foss (Joe) of Buffalo, Wyoming; 11 great grandchildren and 9 great, great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Marlene Rasmussen of Kearney ; stepson, Ron Harder of Cairo, Ne; many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friend and remarkable caregiver, Pearl Sklenar. Vera was preceded in death by her parents, Carl & Cora; siblings (spouses): Walter ( Adeline); Wilsie (Irene); Laura Poskochil (Jim); Leslie (Velma); Robert and infant brothers, Franklin and Harlan; husbands; Truman & Maxwell, daughter(spouse), Donna (Lavern Lueders); son-in-law, Donald Hughes, grandson, Brent Warner; great, great grandsons; Marcus Santos and Path Werner.

Vera M. Johnson-Harder

May 29, 1914 - October 22, 2017