Evelyn Pauline Johnson

Evelyn was born in Gunnison Utah to James and Edith Hansen.  She was one of 14 children.  In order they are Alma (May) both deceased, Elwood (Ferol) both deceased, Kenneth (Nida) both deceased, Lawrence (deceased), Marie (deceased), Odell deceased (Lois), Evelyn (Glen) Johnson both deceased, Helen (Leland) Reel both deceased, Donna (still enjoying life) (Melvin deceased) McGill, Rosella (still enjoying life), Wilford (deceased) (Nathella), Mary Lou (still enjoying life with Robert) Prior, Dorothy (deceased), and Randall (still enjoying life with Linda).  This was a large farming family where they grew what they ate and sold their crops for their family business.

Evelyn married Glen W. Johnson November 10, 1949.  They were later sealed in the SLC Temple.  Glen preceded her in death as did her son, Arnell M. Johnson and grand daughter Sundi Ridgley.  

She is survived by her three daughters, Linda (Jerry) Smith, Carol (Denis) Lance, and Nancy (Paul) Kozisek.

She is blessed by nine beloved grand children, the late Sundi Ridgley, Mark (Stephanie) Johnson, Glen (Shelley) Johnson, A.J. (Jamie) Johnson, Chris (Emily) Smith, Greg (Tanya) Smith, Landen (Codi) Lance, Darren (Kennedi) Lance, and Skyler Sutton.

Evelyn was also blessed with Glen’s daughters, Joyce (Roy deceased) Harris, and Joan (Nels deceased) Jensen.  From the day she married Glen, she embraced her blended family as her own with all the love she had.

Joyce and Roy were blessed with Diana (deceased), Cheryl (Mike) Todd, Kirby (Brenda) Harris, Bobby (Lynette ) Harris both deceased, Michelle Sheehan, George (deceased) (Janice) Ashdown, Mike (deceased) Flynn, John (Rosa deceased) Harris.

Joan and Nels were blessed with Eugene (Shawna).

Evelyn loved each and every grand child unconditionally and they all blessed her.

She was such a loving grand mother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother.  She gave the best hugs and surprisingly remembered the names of each and every one.  She could easily confirm every birth date but in the end couldn’t remember what she had for breakfast.

Evelyn, a farm girl,  dropped out of school in the 8^th grade to help take care of her younger brothers and sisters.  Later, after she’d married and her first 3 kids were out of the house, the next phase in her life began.

After her 4th child, a daughter, was born in January 1971, Glen died unexpectedly, 9 months later.  She had to support herself and her young daughter with a limited education.  She went to work and also back to school where she was most proud of earning her GED in 1978.   With her GED in hand, she was able to qualify for better jobs, one of which was at Litton.  She was thrilled to be able to afford her own home, something that was practically unheard of for farm girls of her generation.

Her Mother had already died when she was 14. Fortunately, she had already taught Evelyn how to crochet and make bread.  She learned to do both very well.  Most of her family and friends have gifts of her handiwork which she continued making, even with a magnifying glass, until the end.  And, if you have ever eaten at Evelyn’s, you probably carried an extra pound or two home around your waste from her marvelous bread.

The Bible exhorts us to be humble and there was never a better living example of humility than Evelyn.  She lived a simple life never complaining, not asking for anything and not expecting anything from anyone.  Just like her bread, she gave her LOVE and anything else she had freely to all, but especially to HER FAMILY. 

IN LOVING MEMORY AND CHERISHED BY ALL

A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at 1:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT where viewing will begin at 11:00 AM.  Interment will follow the funeral service at Taylorsville City Cemetery, 4500 South Redwood Rd.