Ramona Alena Johnson - 网上纪念网站

Mona was a person that changed my life.  The first time I met her I was
in seventh grade, and she was my art teacher.  I didn't get close to
her until my freshman year in high school. Within the first couple months I
found out how wonderful she was, and how an odd duck like me could feel
comfortable and safe in her classes. 

April of my freshman year Mona took us to Europe on an art trip. Being
the only freshman with mostly juniors and seniors, I was scared. I knew
them, but wasn't close to any of the other kids that were going. I
remember talking to Mona about it.  She told me it would be life
changing, and she would make sure I always had a friend along. She was
right.  It did change my life, and she made sure I never felt alone.
During my high school years I did see her as a friend.

We both had a love for Walt Disney and his work.  She taught me more
than art; she taught me about the person I wanted to be.  I was never
the best artist, but it was something I loved.  She could draw better
than anyone I had met.  She had a personality that didn't judge the odd
duck but taught you to use it in your work. 

I talked to her about everything during High School. She never judged me by anything more than the effort I put into my work. She worked to make you greater then you thought you were, to give you a stepping stone into what you could
be.  The night of my high school graduation, she came up to me and gave
me a clay dragon she had made.  On its belly was an inscription: "The
very time I thought I was lost, my dungeon shook and my chains fell
off." I still have the dragon and treasure it.

I didn't go into art after high school. I became an ultrasound
technician. I use what she taught me in my job daily.  She taught me to
see the little differences in shades of gray, and that's what
ultrasound is all about.

She was my teacher, my friend, and one of the few people
that taught me that being yourself was okay. She was a life changing
person.  She changed the life of many. She had an old soul
and will be missed. She made a difference, and I will always love her.
Stacie

My most hearfelt prayers to the Johnson family.  Everytime I see a breathtaking picture in the clouds I know it is Mona, paint brush in hand, continuing to spread beauty.

I was an exchange student to Elkmound from Thailand.

And you were the only person that noticed my unhappiness.

I always waited for the time to work in your class.

The last semester i joined 4 of your classes.

And it was always a happy time for a lonely student like me

to talk with a wonderful woman who could read through my black eyes.

You gave me brushes and water-color.

We did talk via my paintings.

 

You made me know Toulouse-Lautrec, Monet, Vangogh and more.

I didn't care for grade, what i want was to get some compliement from you when you checked my works.

 

You invited me to your house, we cooked,we watched movies, we biked, we talked. You told me "don't hurt yourself."

 

It's sad to realize that we didn't have time to spend together anymore.

I remembered when i had to come back home after 1 year had ended.

We hug and we cried. I told you that i'd come back to visit you.

 

"You promised?" , you asked me back.

 

I said yes...and 6 years has passed.

You're no longer there,

I haven't made the promised,

I am so sorry.

 

 

You are the most wonderful woman,

who had a magical wand to change student's lives.

And i'm glad that at least..in this life i once met you.

 

You taught me the word "Giggle"

Because when i was with you, i always laugh.

 

 

I told you that no matter what happens i won't feel regret,

because i've already met you.

 

But i can't stop crying when realise that .. you are away now

 

 

 

 

Everytime i paint, i always seeing your face through those water-colors,

And it'll always be like this.

 

I promise.

 

 

 

 

I had the pleasure of working with Mona as her building principal for four years.  Mona was an excellent instructor who truely had a passion for working with students.  Her room was always alive with action.  Her students produced some amazing art work.  Mona touched the lives of many students and should be held in high esteem for her love and dedication to the profession of teaching.

I remember the first day I walked into Middle School Art. I was a walking disaster! Here I go I thought. Another class that I will struggle at.  Getting good grades was a priority for me, but I had to work at it a little harder than the rest of my walking genius siblings!.  I was nervous and scared, but that all ended as soon as she smiled and spoke her first words.  I became quickly excited and happy to be there. You could see her love for Art and she made everyone feel special and welcome.  I remember sitting at tall tables and looking all around.  I tuned in real fast though when she said, "Extra credit can be earned if you dress in cool colors Monday!"  She caught my attention and from here on we made a bond that will last a lifetime. Mona believed in me and because of that I did succeed in life. I became an Art Teacher and believe that I have the best job in the world.  Thanks Mona for getting me started with my profession. I love it and it is all because of you!

I was deeply shocked and saddened when I learned of Mona's passing. My family extends our heartfelt sympathys to the entire Johnson family.

My Dear Friend, Mentor, Inspiration...My Dear Mona:

 

I look at the first picture your family has lovingly placed in this "book of memories" and I still remember that beautiful smile and sparkling eyes...just the same as when I walked into your classroom the first day of my student-art-teaching experience!  I can now say with the greatest of certainty...I find myself walking into any classroom - subbing, long-term subbing IN ART (finally, and I know you'd be proud of me!), or serving in whatever capacity in the schools in and around this area...and I think back with fondness...with ALL YOU HAVE TAUGHT me...and how I can say that what I know about "teaching" art, is all because of you!  I am a lucky person...you always told me, "Don't ever short-change your students."  I hope that when I send my students off to home from yet another day in school, I have reached them with excitement in art JUST THE SAME as how you did!  Now...I will always look up to you...whether it still be in the classroom...or looking up to "find you" to "save" me during a hard day at school!  You came out from your office one day in the back of the art room at Elk Mound...and I was struggling with "reaching" my students.  You pulled up a chair not saying a word..and you finally said, "It's OK.  You're doing just fine."  You were always there with an encouraging word.  I will always remember the art room..and always remember that you belonged in it.  And now, you can paint on the biggest pallette of heaven yet!  Can't wait to join you and add a few splashes of colors of my own! 

 

See you soon...my dear friend and "coach"

Margaret Perri

 

Mona, Your classroom was an art inspiration for all who had the opportunity to be part of it.  I always meant to count all the hub caps on the walls.  Being directly across the hall, I was usually the first to be asked how to attach pictures to email, use a digital camera, or just get the computer grade book to work for you.  It was always a pleasure to help you. We worked together with the “door stop” project in the foundry, scrap wood for the students, and cabinets for your room. 

 

You had the ability to take students into your classes at any level and challenge each one; Great Job. Gladly, you would get out the calligraphy pens to make awards and certificates special; thank you. There was always the smile and kind words when we had lunch together each day; how very real, and loving.  Lately, getting an email with an inspirational note or a laugh was a treat.

 

 I was happy to know you were getting better.  I was glad to hear you had some work with students, again.  More than all that, I am blessed to be able to say I knew you well.

 

Was it really 15 years?  The time goes so quickly.  Thank you.

 

Mike Kolstad

Technology Education

Elk Mound High School

When I think of Mona I think of FRIEND, ARTIST, TEACHER, COWORKER , CREATIVE, AND FUN. I Worked with Mona for many years and we worked great together. She was always looking for new ideas and ways to motivate the students and to keep up with what was going on in the art world. We had such a great working relationship. We would get together every Friday a.m before the school day began just to exchange art ideas, all on our own time. This was totally Mona's idea. How could we help but become great friends when we shared a love for art and children? I remember working on the adobe photoshop program with her and we got such a kick out of putting our heads on works of great art. We stuck her head on Mona Lisa and mine on Raphael's angel during a workshop and we laughed so hard at the results. We had those photos hung up in our rooms forever. Thats just a little thing, but it is an example of how she loved to have fun just doing every day things. I feel grateful for having had the pleasure of working with and knowing Mona and for being able to say I was her friend. Ellyn

I worked with Mona all of her years at Elk Mound and express my heartfelt thoughts of misssing her. Working in Physical Education and coaching FB put Mona and me it would seem far apart. Yet we had a fun and interactive relationship.

She would share her talents of caligraphy by lettering all of our football players all conference certificates each year.  She lettered a refrigerator I received as a gift for winning 200 victories and I will always be reminded of her when I look at it. We exchanged names as secret santa for christmas and she made a really neat figure of an "old" coach from elk mound. And this past Basketball Season Mona attended an Elk Mound home game and took the time to come over and share a big hug. These are treasures that can only be done by a special person like Mona and will be cherished in her name forever. 

Thank you Mona for being a part of our lives at Elk Mound!

 

Dan Pedersen

HS Physical Education

Head Football Coach

Head Basketball Coach