Elaine Johnson is 2019 First Lady of Clearwater County

The 40th First Lady of Clearwater County was named last Saturday at Clear Water Life Center in Gonvick. The weather was not ideal for the event. After the brunch, music, special speaker, introduction of  former first ladies, 2018 last years First Lady thoughts it was finally time to give the judges final decision. Elaine Johnson of  Bagley was given the honor.

 Thoughtful, friendly, helpful, kind, reliable, humble and faithful   were some of the words that describe Elaine. She and her husband Robert have been married over 50 years and they  have three children and raised them on a dairy farm northwest of  Bagley.

 Elaine was born and raised in a small town called Davenport, North Dakota. She was a dutiful farm wife for many years, doing the household chores and keeping everything in order. She was a  stay-at-home mom until all three girls were gone.

In the last 80's she decided she wanted to do something to keep herself busy. She started babysitting for Warren and Laine Larson and after that for Steve and Bonnie Thompson. After that, she decided to  try working at Daroo's Pizza in Bagley. Then on to First National Bank in Bagley as a part-time receptionist. She has been there for 20 years and still cheerily greets everyone that comes through the door. At Christmas time, she bakes many dozen cookies for the bank to have for their customers to enjoy at their annual open house. She occasionally bakes birthday cakes for some that request it for their "work" party.

When the girls were home they were all involved in 4-H. She was  willing to help out wherever needed with no complaining. She taught  each of her daughters to sew, bake, garden both flowers and vegetables  and were taught the importance of keeping track of project details and  neatly recording them. She was a chaperone to Citizenship Washington  Focus where she flew to Washington D. C. and chaperoned kids from all 50 states for one week. 

She was an officer on the 4-H Leader's council, part of the county extension committee and putting in many hours in the 4-H food stand. Probably her most fun leadership role was when she decided to start a clowning project. She sewed several clown  suits and found kids that were willing to have fun by appearing in  parades, the county fair and other community events.  She was  involved in the 4-H program for 20 years.

She has served her church in several capacities. Sunday School teacher for kindergarten and grades 1 to 3. Vacation Bible School teacher and a substitute teacher, she served in circle and the church service groups, WELCA and the Altar Guild.

Elaine and Robert were members of St. Peter Church in rural Bagley  until it closed its doors in 1965 and they joined Faith Lutheran Church in Bagley and have been membesr for 54 years. Elaine was a Kindergarten Sunday School teacher for 15 years. In her 54 years at the church she has put in countless hours as a volunteer and never expects rewards or special recognition in return. She is a member of the Naomi Circle and has been past president for WELCA. She has worked the altar guild and puts fresh bouquets out of her garden on the altar  in the summer. She and Robert have been the Service Group Coordinators for their group for approximately 13 years.  They do alot of volunteering in the church.

Elaine was also a Hospice volunteer for 19 years. She went through training and when she would get a call that someone was in need she would graciously go sit with them. She enjoyed being able to help in this way and bring comfort to patients and their families. She also helped with scheduling other volunteers with patients in need.

She always has a positive attitude and likes to make others important to her and any time spent together is a blessing.