Ardis Lanzilotta

Ardis Reta Lanzilotta, age 81, passed away peacefully Monday, June 5, 2017, in her home at Prairie Vista Village in Altoona.

A graveside service will be held 2:30 p.m. Sunday, June 11, at Bethel Cemetery in Diagonal.

Ardis was born to Clarence and Hazel (Anderson) Morrison on May 2, 1936, in the family home in Tingley. She was raised in Mount Ayr and graduated from Mount Ayr High School in 1954. Ardis was also a resident of Clarinda for 11 years, Ottumwa for 11 years and Phoenix, Arizona, for 28 years. In her working years, she was a bookkeeper for John Deere in Ottumwa and Schuck Components in Arizona.

Ardis enjoyed gardening, fishing and travel. She collected John Deere and John Wayne memorabilia. Ardis was a dedicated volunteer for many organizations, and was especially involved with Nodaway Valley Historical Museum of Clarinda.

Ardis is survived by her husband Dean Johnson; sister Nina Eason; children, Pam Johnson and Gary (Sherry) Johnson; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews, Jeanie Tolbert, John Whittington, Mike Morrison, Terry Morrison, Dale Morrison, Glenn Morrison, Linda Armstrong, Steve Eason, Mike Eason and Susan Eason; numerous special great-nieces and great-nephews who were like grandchildren to her and many other loving extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Nicholas Lanzilotta; brother Rex (Gladys) Morrison; sisters, Crystal (Howard) Whittington and Phyllis (Rowe) Smith; brother-in-law Jim Eason; nephews, Curt Eason and David Whittington and niece Cathy Larson.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Nodaway Valley Historical Museum or to Masonic Grand Lodge of Iowa Library and Museum Building Endowment Fund of Cedar Rapids. Condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com.