Rhea Johnson-Balderston

Rhea Louise Barngrover Johnson Balderston, 88, of Plano, Texas, formerly of McPherson, Kansas, died November 12, 2007.

She was born June 2, 1919, in Chase, Kansas, the fifth of eight children born to Robert Ross and Fannie Ethel (Burden) Barngrover. Her family moved to McPherson when she was a teenager. Rhea was a graduate of McPherson High School, Venus Beauty Academy and later, Rhema Bible College.

In 1939, Rhea married Everett V. Johnson, a McPherson farmer and pilot for NCRA. Together, they owned and operated Rhea and Everett's Beauty Salon. Mr. Johnson passed away in 1979. She then remarried John Balderston of Manhattan, Kansas in 1993. Mr. Balderston passed away in 2003.

Survivors include: two daughters Marlene Kennedy and David Kennedy, both of Crossroads, Texas and Deanna Bell and husband, Richard, of Richardson, Texas; a sister Betty Chandler of Allen, Texas; 6 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and countless other family members and friends.

An informal celebration of her life and reception will take place from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon on Saturday, December 1, at the New Gottland Lutheran Church. Lunch will be served for family and friends at noon. Inurnment of the cremains will be in the New Gottland Lutheran Church Cemetery and will take place prior to the event. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the American Heart Association or The Alzheimer' Disease and Related Disorders Association in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home.

Rhea has left this earthly life to be in the presence of her Lord. Our family will miss her greatly, though we take comfort knowing that she has joined her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Rhea Johnson-Balderston please visit our Sympathy Store.