Mary Johnson Newbour, age 67, of Prior Lake, MN, passed away on July 31, 2020 at Regions Hospital in St. Paul. A time of gathering to celebrate Mary’s life will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2020, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home in Prior Lake, MN.
Mary Elizabeth Johnson was born in Ypsilanti, MI, on February 14, 1953 to Harlen and Ione (Olson) Johnson. She spent her childhood in Ypsilanti, growing up and eventually graduating from high school there. Shortly after, Mary met a man with a motorcycle, Buford Newbour, who was on leave from military service. Mary dated Buford — and his motorcycle — for a couple of years before uniting in marriage on September 3, 1983 in their hometown of Ypsilanti. Soon after their marriage, Mary and Buford moved to Prior Lake and were blessed with two children, Bo and Stefani. As a family, they loved to boat, fish, and go on vacations & road trips around the United States. Mary loved being a grandma and embraced the chaos and excitement that her grandkids brought, often boosting them with sugar on the Sundays they spent together as a family.
Mary worked for various companies throughout her life, including Merrill Lynch in Bloomington, Service Master in Shakopee, and Advantage Sales & Marketing. When she wasn’t working, Mary enjoyed socializing with her friends in Prior Lake, playing bingo and pull tabs at places like The Pointe, T.J. Hooligans, and the Prior Lake VFW. She also loved listening to country music and was ecstatic to ride in a limo to a Garth Brooks concert that Buford had won tickets to in a radio competition.
Like a red rose, Mary was beautiful, strong, and independent. In a group — or all on her own — she stood out. She was sharp, yet soft, and those lucky enough to hold her close got to enjoy her beauty for all that it was.
Her spirit was untamed, wonderful, and big. She loved deeply and cared always. She put everyone before herself, and her family and friends knew she would always be there if they needed anything.
Mary will be missed by her husband, Buford Newbour; son, Bo Newbour (Ashley Miller); daughter, Stefani (Alex) Fischels; grandchildren, Bentley Newbour and Tegan and Jacky Fischels; siblings, Dale (Patty) Johnson and Paul (Sharie) Johnson; and many other nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Harlen and Ione (Olson) Johnson; brother, Harlen Johnson Jr.; and sister, Julie Johnson.
Arrangements are with Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home & Cremation, Prior Lake.
