Dianne Joyce Johnson

Dianne Joyce Johnson was born December 5, 1946 in Visalia, California and grew up around the area. She would talk about her first ride at the Cotta Ranch on a bull at an early age. Afterwards, she got a pony. That was the start of her love for horses and riding. She had two brothers; Joe and Richard, and one sister, Elaine. She graduated from Mt Whitney High School in 1965. Dianne had her son Danny and later married her first husband, Larry Ledgerwood taking in his daughter Kathy as well.

Larry’s dad built a house in Tulare, California where Dianne started boarding horses, giving riding lessons, training, and showing horses. She became a 4H Leader for over 35 years. Dianne later met Jeff Johnson in 1989 and became best friends before marrying in 1997, making their home together in Tulare, California. D&J Stables was born along with the Barn Brats. Dianne became a mother to Jeff’s three children; Joann, Daniel, and Kristy and Grandmother to their children.

Her love for all her children and the people in her life was unbelievable. All the kids at the barn call her their barn mom. It was just that way. Everyone loved her, adults and children alike. Some would even call her their sister. She was truly loved. As barn brats, we built several floats, participated in activities, and road in parades. There would be sleep overs at the barn and pool parties, but she demanded the kids do the work and obtain the achievements.

She loved traveling with the RV. Along with this she worked at AF Correia Visalia. Later, she took on AF Correia Strathmore. A short time later, Dianne became part of Valle Vista Farms. After the farming we bought the Peterbilt truck and J&D Trucking was born. Jeff used to get tickled when she would go with him in the truck. Five minutes in the trip, she would be asleep in the back.

It’s unbelievable how she made everything happen. Dianne was an amazing woman. She was the love of Jeff’s life and will be deeply missed.

Dianne was preceded in death by her parents; Rose and Joseph Motta and her brothers; Joe and Richard Motta and daughter; Kristy Johnson.

Dianne is survived by her loving husband of 27 years, Jeff Johnson. Their children Danny Ledgerwood, Megan Ledgerwood, Kathy Machado (Bob) all of Tulare, California; Joanne Goodman (Phillip) of Bakersfield, California; Daniel Johnson (Tamera) of Visalia, California. Also, her grandchildren; Ericka Berumen, Courtney Lopez, Kaitlyn Ledgerwood, Joey Ledgerwood, David Goodman, Sarah Goodman, Dustin Johnson, and Justine Johnson. Great grandchildren; Scarlette Ledgerwood and Charlotte Villasenor. As well as, her sister, Elaine Lea of Visalia, California and several nieces and nephews.

Dianne loves each and every one of you.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date.