It is with a heavy and sad heart that the family of Mary Johnson inform you our beautiful, funny and loving mom has passed away.
Mom gained her wings early Saturday morning, Nov. 24. She passed away peacefully, with the most lovely and serene look upon her face. We believe that our dad, Duane Johnson, was there to gently and lovingly take her hand and lift her home.
Funeral services for Mary Ann Johnson, 83, will be held at 2 p.m., Nov. 28, at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Riverton. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, where Mom will be laid to rest next to Dad. A viewing will be held the same day, Nov. 28, at Davis Funeral Home from 12:30-1:30 p.m., prior to the funeral mass. Friends and family are warmly invited to join us in the celebration of Mom’s life with a luncheon in the gymnasium of St. Margaret’s Catholic Church after the interment.
Mom and Dad were together for almost 65 years when Dad passed away on March 10, 2016. Their reunion warms our hearts and helps bring comfort and peace to know that they will never be separated again. Our Heavenly Father has held a special place for them. We will never forget her tender devotion to her children and family as we were growing up. Her humor and laughter were contagious, while her tender arms have shown comfort to many throughout her life.
Mary was born in Wibaux, Montana, on April 7, 1935. She married Duane on April 20, 1951. Dad served in the United States Navy during the Korean conflict, and was stationed for a time in Japan. Mom joined Dad soon after their marriage. Both parents have wonderful and endearing stories of their time overseas.
Their first child, Brad Johnson, was born in Japan in 1954. Their three other children — Debbie, Shelly and Jamie — were born in the United States. All four of Mom and Dad’s children are incredibly proud and thankful for our parents. The love and sacrifices they made throughout the years will never be forgotten and remain embedded in our hearts.
Mary Johnson was fortunate to be able to raise her children from home. Our family spent a few years in Williston, North Dakota, where Mary had fun managing a hat shop. She returned to work while living in Thermopolis, with a banking institution, and continued her banking career with First National Bank in Riverton.
She made many close and forever friends while working at First National Bank. Mom and Dad lived in Dubois for several years and thoroughly enjoyed the openness and small town friendliness of the community. Mom worked while in Dubois with the chamber of commerce and a dress shop.
Dad was most successful with his career in the oilfield, but it did require some moving from place to place. We never seemed to mind. Mom and Dad were just that way — always making sure their children felt safe, secure and loved. They did a good job! Duane and Mary moved back to Riverton after 12 years in Dubois. They were both active members of St. Margaret’s Catholic Church. Duane and Mary lived a total of 23 years in Riverton.
Living family members include sons, Brad Johnson and Jamie Johnson of Dubois; daughters, Debbie (Joe) Terech of Evanston and Shelly (Jim) Rock of Vernal, Utah; grandchildren, Beth White and Sara Garrett of Vernal, Utah; six great-grandchildren, Connor Smith, Kaitlyn Smith, Taylor Garrett, Gavyn Richins, Nixon White and Clara White; and brother, Toby (Ruby) Tennant of Wibaux, Montana.
Mary was preceded in death by her adoring husband, Duane Johnson; her parents; three brothers and a sister. Mary and Duane’s two adoring grandsons have also preceded Mary in death — they are brothers Todd Smith and Randy Smith.
The family would like to acknowledge the compassionate and proficient care given to Mary at the emergency room and ICU unit of the Lander Hospital. The sincere care and comfort you provided her during her last hours was exceptional. We also wish to extend our gratitude to Warm Valley Assisted Living for their nurturing and affectionate care during Mary’s residency.
We also give a special thank you to Becky for always being ready to offer that little extra something.
Online condolences for the family may be made at DavisFuneralHome.com. Services are under the direction of Davis Funeral Home.
