Linda Lack JohnsonOct. 28, 1949 - Jan. 20, 2009Linda Lack Johnson, 59, the beloved daughter of Rev. Joseph P. Lack and Vera (Graham) Lack went home to be with her Saviour at the Mennonite Home Tuesday with her family by her side.Linda was born in Springfield, Mo., and spent her childhood in Indiana and Arizona.  She graduated in 1972 from Arizona State University with a degree in Elementary Education.  She began her long and rewarding career first in Arizona and later in Oregon as an elementary school teacher.  In 1980 she advanced her education at Western Oregon State College and was certified to be a resource teacher in special education.  She concluded her career by conducting IEP evaluations of students for the Lebanon School District to assist teams in determining a child's eligibility for Special Education service.  She was awarded the Golden Apple for "teacher of the year".Linda retired in 2006 due to failing health.She loved children and had a special way with them.  She took much joy in teaching many with disabilities to read.  She endeavored to make even test taking fun often rewarding kids with lunch at McDonald's after long testing sessions.Linda married Barry L. Johnson in 1972 and to that marriage was born Kathleen Nicole Johnson, the love of her life.She was preceded in death by her father the Reverend Joseph Lack. She is survived by daughter Kathleen; mother Vera Lack, both of Albany; brothers Steve of Albany, Randy and wife Dani of Turner; sister Melodie Mill and husband Jim of Albany; nieces Emma Lack, Madison Lack, Valerie Mills; and nephew Nathan Lack.Her home church was Albany First Assembly of God.She was deeply loved by all her family, friends.  She had a special love for her coworkers from the Lebanon School District.  She enjoyed making people laugh with her quick wit and funny comebacks and always made family gatherings fun. People found her deeply compassionate and available to listen, comfort and pray with them despite her own heath difficulties.  Her friendships included many medical staff and those who cared for her at the Mennonite Home, Corvallis Manor and Good Samaritan Dialysis Center.A celebration of life will be 3:30 pm, Monday at First Assembly of God Church in Albany with a reception to follow.  Contributions can be made to Cambodia Orphanages Ministry in care of Albany First Assembly. AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is handling the arrangements ( www.aasum-dufour.com ).