Norma Johnsen

Norma Eyre Johnsen, age 98, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2023 at Carrington Court in South Jordan, Utah. She was born July 31, 1924 in Cumberland, Wyoming to Clem G Eyre and Ada Wilde.

Norma grew up in Lyman Wyoming during the Great Depression on the family ranch where she learned the value of hard work as she helped her mother and father with house and ranch chores.

She graduated from Lyman High in 1942 and received a scholarship to the University of Wyoming right after the start of World War II. To help pay for her schooling, she worked at the canning factory in Ogden, Utah during her summer vacations. In 1946 Norma graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in Home Economics and then taught school in Reliance, Wyoming.

Norma met her eternal companion, William Snarr Johnsen (Bill) after World War II when he came out to teach school in Lyman, Wyoming. They were married on May 27, 1947 in the Salt Lake Temple.

Norma and Bill then moved to Salt Lake City in 1949 where they reared three children: Jeffrey, Janis and David. With love and discipline she taught all the life lessons they needed to become successful partners and parents. We owe Mom a debt of gratitude for all she taught us.

When her special son, David, was born with Downs Syndrome she brought him home from the hospital even though her doctors advised her to put him in an institution. From that time on,
she devoted her life to him, always watching out and protecting him. She set a wonderful example by making sure that David was always included in all the family activities. He was very much loved by everyone that knew him.

Norma enjoyed being a wife, mother and full time homemaker. She was an excellent cook. She made the best rolls, cookies and pies. We all loved to go to her home in the summer and make homemade ice cream. Mom had many other talents. She made most of her own and her daughters clothes. She also made many beautiful quilts, sweaters, paintings, ceramics, and porcelain dolls.

She and Dad supported all of the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren’s in their sports activities including many basketball, baseball, softball games. She also loved being there for family weddings and baby blessings.

Norma and Bill loved to travel and went on many vacations together and enjoyed Europe, Canada, a Church History tour and visits to most of the States.

Norma was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints her entire life.

Mom will be greatly missed by all of us, but we take comfort knowing she is with
Dad and David again.

Norma was preceded in death by her husband, William Snarr Johnsen, son David, her parents, brothers Erwin, Robert, and Myron. She is survived by her sister Sharol Carroll (Don) as well as children, William Jeffrey Johnsen (Vickie), Janis Piele (David), 8 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, 4 great- great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Stone Ridge Meetinghouse, 12070 Laurel Chase Drive, Riverton, Utah. Friends may visit with family on Saturday from 10:00 am to 10:45 am at the church. Interment at the Murray City Cemetery 5490 S. Vine Street, Murray, UT 84107.