Katherine Ann Johnson

It is with a grieving heart that I announce the passing of my sweet, beautiful mother, Katherine. She was my best friend, the love of my father’s life, and the best mom and grandma anyone could hope for.

In early December, after a few days of not feeling well, my mom was taken to the hospital and found out she needed the same surgery my dad was about to have. Because she always put others first, she made sure that they scheduled her surgery far enough out that they could take care of each other, as they had always done for over 60 years.

On January 9th, 2024, she had a successful heart valve replacement surgery at the Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah. However, a few hours later she suffered from a stroke, and then passed later that evening from further complications. It was a huge shock since she had been smiling and happy when my dad left her with an I love you and will see you in the morning.

My mom was born in Price, Utah on April 13, 1940. Her parents were Anna Lou Oldham and John Faddies Jones, and her full name was Katherine Ann Jones. She married my dad, DeVon R Johnson, on June 22, 1958 and they were sealed in the Salt Lake City temple.

My mom had several jobs, but the most recent were Primary Children’s Medical Center, Utah Education Association, and The Hale Center Theater. The latter still being a place she took her close girlfriends to each play every year. This was one of her favorite activities. I loved going to the plays with her when I was younger, and another favorite hobby of hers I shared was reading. She loved a good book and carried her Kindle with her often.

She made many friends from her places of work, a lot she considered family. Her and my dad also had close friends that became family from the years they served for the Murray 4th Branch as LDS Service Missionaries at the IMC. My mother was the chorister there for 17 years, and also visited patients 4 days a week before the pandemic. This love of service was passed on to some of her grandchildren who would love to do the volunteer work with her and share in all the kindness and lives she touched.

My mom was very social, often planning some type of get together and was always the first person to be there for anyone in need. Her loss will leave a huge hole and emptiness as she was cherished and loved by countless.

Katherine is survived by her husband of 65 years, DeVon. Children – Shannon (Sheri), Troy (Ginger), Todd (Marcee), Alayna (Travis), Dennis (Ginger), Damon (Ashley). Grandchildren – Derek, Cody (Mandy), Sara, Elise, Troy, Micaylee (Matthew), Todd (Marissa), Dylan, Tylee, Jaxon, Maggie, Caden, Kai. Great Grandchildren – Kithra, Karon, Mika.

Preceded in death by her sons Michael and Derek, her grandson Christopher, her mother Anna Lou Oldham, father John Faddies Jones, step-mother Elma Jones, and brother John Charles Jones.

There will be a viewing on Thursday, January 18, 2024 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home located at 4760 South State Street, Murray, Utah.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. with a viewing prior to the service from 11:00-11:45 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints located at 160 E 4600 S in Murray, Utah.

Thank you mom for showing me what it means to be selfless. The jobs I believe you loved most and did the best were wife, mom, and grandma. We are blessed for the time we had and will love and treasure you always!