Lois A. Johnson woke up in Heaven on June 28, 2023. Lois, wife, mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to everyone she knew, was born in the summer of 1933. Lois was the first daughter born to J. Ruth and Harry Stahl. She was the 6th child of 7, a welcome daughter after 5 sons. With the birth of her little sister, Lois became a big sister.
Lois attended schools in Opheim, Hamilton, and Glasgow, graduating from Glasgow High School in 1949. She met her husband for life, Roy E. Johnson, and they were married in December of 1949. They began their married life together on the family farm by Nashua, eventually moving to Glasgow where they built their home and started their family.
Lois loved her family and friends and looked for the best in everyone she met. Everyone was welcome at the dinner, aka the birdwatching table, and the coffee was always on. She was a peacemaker and a peacekeeper. She enjoyed knitting, sewing, reading, gardening, and raising mink on the family farm. She was also a great bowler, bowling a perfect 300 as a sub. She had a lot of fun memories as a Boy Scout leader. In Great Falls she met a new group of wonderful friends and enjoyed her Tuesday’s “card day” with a few of those great friends and neighbors. At the age of 80, she found a new pastime – kayaking on Swan Lake at every opportunity.
She gave her best and was a pleasure to work with in all her endeavors. She taught medical self-help classes in the 60s, worked at the Glasgow Stockyards, was the office manager at Dale Plumbing & Heating, took ambulance training and served as a volunteer ambulance attendant, and served as a deputy treasurer for Valley County. She also served as a School Board member and was an election day volunteer.
Above all, she loved our Lord and served her church in Glasgow as a board member, treasurer, bible study leader, and she assisted with worship services. Following the death of her husband of 61 years, she moved to Great Falls and joined the Sunrise Presbyterian Church where she served as a Deacon. Among her responsibilities as Deacon, her favorite was taking communion to the shut-in members of the church with Pastor Tim Lanham.
Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and J. Ruth Stahl; her husband, Roy E. Johnson; father-in-law, John Johnson; four brothers, Carl, Irvin, Daryl, and Will Stahl; 5 brothers-in-law, Bob and Lee Copeland, Bob Lewis, Mel Stewart, and Wayne Dale; and two sisters-in-law, Jean and Betty Stahl. She is survived by her son, Terry (Catharina) Johnson of Sacramento, CA, daughter, Diana “Chick” (Chuck) Schedel of Bigfork, MT, and daughter, Beth Ann (Doug) Wiedeman of Miles City, MT; 6 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Ann Dale; one brother, Leonard (Leona) Stahl; and 3 sisters-in-law, Alice Lewis, Ruby Stewart, and Clarice Stahl.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Glasgow, MT. Internment of ashes will follow the service at Highland Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Glacier Camp (P.O. Box 384, Lakeside, MT 59922) or Valley County Pioneer Museum (816 US Hwy 2 W, Glasgow, MT 59230).
Lisa Wiltfong says
Lois was mine and my husbands first landlord in Glasgow. She and Roy were two beautiful souls, and looked after us as their own. When our first son was born, they lowered our rent by $25 stating that babies are expensive. Sending love and prayers to her family.
Kathy Marks says
Beth Ann and family,
Your mom was a wonderful example of a generation that was generous, hard working, thoughtful, and closely connected to family and neighbors. Hold your memories close and may she rest in peace.
Kitty Lou Rusher says
I counted myself privileged whenever I was sitting at that wonderful window table to enjoy the many songbirds, and larger ones also, that frequented the feeders and birdbath in colorful array. The conversation and tea added to the ambiance created by hostess Lois.
After she moved to Great Falls, I could count on a birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter card, usually with a biblical verse.
I treasured her while she lived, as I will treasure her memory.
Kitty Lou
Howard A Pippin says
Lois was one of the nicest ladies I’ve ever met. Both her and her husband Roy were a joy to visit with and Lois did attend the church where I was. I think she had the best spirit I’ve ever seen.
Randeen Rath says
LOIS always had a smile on her face. I feel privileged to have known HER