MINNEAPOLIS — Marjorie Johnson, renowned throughout Minnesota for her award-winning baked goods at the Minnesota State Fair, has died at 106, according to her family.

Johnson and her sweet treats have been staples at the fair for more than half a century, also becoming a dear friend to the team at KARE 11.

Born in Minneapolis in 1919, the woman warmly known as the "Blue Ribbon Baker" didn't enter baking contests until her 50s — but once she did, she never stopped.

Over the decades, she collected more than 3,000 ribbons at county and state fairs, earning national fame and appearances on shows like "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and "The Rosie O'Donnell Show."

Known for her bright red dress, her boisterous laughter and her boundless energy, she shared her secrets in her cookbook, "T

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