Mary Juanita Johnson

Mary (Juanita) Johnson, 98, passed away Sept. 1, 2022 in Longmont, CO. She was born Dec. 24, 1923, in Mountain View, MO to Alba Judson Belew and Ona Fay Reese. In 1939, the family moved to Gould, CO where she met her future husband, Ovie Johnson. They married in Walden, CO on Sept. 14, 1940, and remained married for 62 years until Ovie passed away in 2002. Juanita and Ovie moved to Laporte, CO in 1953 where they raised their three children.

Juanita worked at the local grocery store for several years, but then joined Ovie managing a post and fence company until retirement. After retirement, they enjoyed helping with grandchildren, camping and fishing. Juanita also loved baking for family and friends. She had a life-long love of music. She played guitar and sang, and for several years, she and her sisters visited nursing homes entertaining the residents. The mountains held a special place in her heart and she enjoyed all the time spent there with her family.

In addition to her husband, Ovie, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Thelma Kennedy and Vena Higbee; and brother, Donald Belew. Juanita is survived by her children Carl Johnson (Mary), Charlotte Rogash (Joseph), and Carol Russo (Thomas); six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Earlene Bradley; and many nieces and nephews.