Martha Johnson

In loving memory of our mother, Martha Elaine Johnson, who died of natural causes on October 22, 2022 at the age of 87 in Marquette, Michigan. Martha was born to Charles and Lois (Shuman) Jensen on January 14, 1935. She was the oldest of three daughters. She loved learning lifelong skills from her parents like sewing, quilting, baking, fishing, and how to change a tire. She loved going to Farrs Ice Cream in Ogden with her family. It is rumored that she, along with her sisters tied a boy to a tree for bad behavior in Brigham City. Martha met her future husband Whitney Larsen Johnson while attending the Utah State Agricultural College. They were married and sealed for time and eternity on August 30, 1954 in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They spent their early years together in Minnesota, then Virginia before settling in Marquette, MI where she has lived the past fifty years of her life. Eleven children were born and lovingly raised in their household. Growing up, our mother was always there for us, whether we needed help with our homework, a shoulder to cry on, or some sound advice. She instilled in us the importance of family, hard work and doing what is right. The title she cherished was that of Grandma Marti. Her grandchildren spent time with her shopping for dress up clothes in thrift stores, making cinnamon rolls, getting pedicures, and getting treats at Jilbert's while laughing along the way. She loved photos and FaceTime, letters, and visits. She sent birthday cards with personal messages to each grandchild for many, many years. She loved her grandchildren dearly and they adored her. She had a way of making every grandchild feel as if they were her favorite. Mom had a deep, abiding faith in our Savior Jesus Christ. Our home was centered on Him. She taught each of us His gospel and her life demonstrated a devotion to loving God, and loving her neighbor. Indeed strangers became friends, and friends became family. Her kindness, caring, and generosity was shown with a jar of home canned peaches, a hot meal, a drive in the country, a walk on the beach, a phone call, a note, or simply being present. She made many lasting friendships. She was a strong woman who faced every challenge in her life with courage and dignity. Our mother was a source of inspiration to us all and she will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched. Martha was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her sister Mary Lou Evans, and two granddaughters, Pearl and Morgan. She is survived by her children, Charles (Laurie), Kathy Newby (John), Roger (Kathleen), H. Peter, James (Janice), G. Wallace (Amy), Curt (Mary), Eric (Morgana), Stuart (Beth), Steven, Elaine Hewitt (Curt); 45 grandchildren, 63 great grandchildren, and her sister Lynette Jensen. A service will be held at 12 Noon on November 5th at Gillies Funeral Chapel, 634 E. 200 S. in the Brigham City, Utah. Click this link to view additional details about Martha's Services, including any available live streams: https://my.gather.app/remember/martha-johnson-2021 Interment will be in the Brigham City Cemetery. The family is grateful for the outpouring of love, concern, and prayers and requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Aid fund or the charity of your choice. Send condolences to www.gfc-utah.com