Lella B. (Johnson) Hackler was born in Kansas City on February 13, 1936, to Edgar M. and Nelle A. (Lines) Cross. She departed this life in Clinton, Missouri on September 15, 2025, at 89 years of age. She grew up in Kansas City but completed her junior and senior years, graduating from Osceola High School. Following graduation, she worked for McDonnell Aircraft in St. Louis before returning to the area and marrying Orval Johnson. She operated her own beauty shop before staying at home and raising her family on the farm outside of Appleton City, Missouri. Later, she moved to Sedalia, Missouri where she remarried and became a nurse. She moved to Clinton and finished her remaining years there.
Lella was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Linford Hackler, her daughter Renee Parker, her brother Robert Cross and daughter-in-law Lisa Johnson. Survivors include her sons, Blair Johnson of Clinton, Missouri and Craig Johnson of Appleton City, Missouri; six grandkids and several great grandkids.
Graveside service were held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 11 AM at Lewellen Cemetery, Rural Appleton City, Mo. Memorials to Lewellen Cemetery.
