J. (Hobbie) Johnson, 80, died Saturday, January 9, 2010 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. She was born January 27, 1929 at home near Flandreau, SD to George and Kate (Ernst) Hobbie. She attended Chamberlain Country School and graduated from Egan High School in 1947. She married Leslie Johnson on March 29, 1961 in Brookings. Darlene was a member of 4-H as a child and enjoyed livestock and gardening. In 1956, Darlene farmed alongside her father while her brother was serving in the army. Darlene helped take care of many family members throughout those years. She taught Sunday school for several years. Her weekly egg delivery brought her much joy. She took great pride in cleaning, packaging, labeling and delivering these eggs in person and thus became known as the "egg lady". Many cups of coffee, treats and conversation were shared during this time. To know Darlene one would know that 4:00 lunch provided homemade bars and cookies like no other had experienced before. It's amazing how many times visitors would "happen by" at 4:00. Her love of beauty and nature were expressed through her gorgeous flower gardens, gardening and her deep love of caring for animals, especially her cats and birds.

Blessed to share in her life are her husband, Leslie; three children, Lowell Johnson, Flandreau, Delwin (Kari) Johnson and their children, Brock, Emily and Micke'L, Sioux Falls and Eugene (Chris) Johnson and their children, Chandler, Austin and Brady, Flandreau; a sister, Shirly (John) Hillgren, Sioux Falls; a brother, Harold Hobbie, Flandreau and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be 10:30 am Tuesday, January 12, 2009 at Skroch Funeral Chapel, Flandreau, with burial in Union Cemetery. Visitation begins at 3:00 pm Monday at the funeral chapel.