Iona (Johnson, Sunkler) Carlson, 101, of Turner, Ore., passed away on Tuesday at her home. She was born to Albert and Anna Mack in Rapid City, SD.  Iona’s father died when she was young and her mother was left to raise the children. She graduated from Rapid City High School in 1926, and married Oscar B. Johnson in 1927.  Oscar Johnson passed away in 1957. Iona was active in churches wherever she lived. In 1962, she married Lawrence C. Sunkler, a former pastor of First Christian Church of Turlock. When he retired they moved to Oregon because he loved the outdoors. In Oregon, he even persuaded Iona to join him in fishing. Lawrence passed away in 1973. In 1981, Iona married Eugene Carlson of Patterson. They were married in Washington and lived in Oregon. Eugene passed away in February 2001. Iona endeared herself to each family and they have all adopted her as one of them. She was a very loving mother and grandmother and will be fondly remembered by all.
Iona is survived by her children and step-children, Bill (Mary Lou) Johnson of Turlock, Dolores (Bob) McGregor of Turlock, Gerald (Carol) Carlson of North Bend, Wash., Dick Carlson of Patterson, Dan Carlson of Nevada, Jeanette (John) Koekkoek of Eugene, Ore. and Donna Hahn of Torrance; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and even great great grandchildren. Iona was also preceded in death by her step-son, Jim Carlson, whose wife, Mae, lives in Patterson.
Visitation is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 6 at Allen Mortuary. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 7 at Turlock Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be considered for Turner Memorial Homes, P.O. Box 58, Turner, OR 97392 or Willamette Valley Hospice, 1015-3rd St. NW, Salem, OR 97304. Please leave memories and condolences at www.allenmortuary.com.