Shirley Ann Johnson

Shirley Ann Johnson, 92, died peacefully at home in Great Falls, Montana on Sunday. Visitation will take place on Saturday, August 25, 2018 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at O’Connor Memorial Chapel. A funeral service will take place on Sunday, August 26, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church. Graveside service will be Monday, August 27, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the Dutton Cemetery. Shirley was born March 2, 1926 in Medford, Oregon to Knute and Fern (Cheetham) Knutson, the oldest of six.Shirley grew up in Dutton alongside many family members farming and working in the area. She graduated from Dutton High School in 1944 and shortly thereafter, married a local man, Leon H. Johnson in 1945. They were married 56 years until his death in 2001, having had five children. Shirley is survived by her sister, Betty Pearson of Temecula; children Bruce (Kathy) Johnson of Baker, Carolyn(Bob) Dowdy of Great Falls, and Glenn (Colleen) Johnson of Billings; seven grandchildren, Connie (Roger) Larson of Billings, Sarah Easterwood of Sacramento, CA, Brian (Tanya) Johnson of Missoula, Adam(Nick) Dowdy of Great Falls, Joseph Johnson of Portland, OR, Aaron Dowdy of Great Falls, and Jessica (Quin) Catalano of Bozeman. Sarah gave her six great-grandchildren, Elenore, Kasey, Zack, Alex, Max and David. There are many nieces, nephews and cousins too numerous to count. Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Leon, sisters Marilyn (Stan) Gossack and Ruth (Robert) Brumwell; and brothers Leroy Knutson and Robert “Butch” Knutson. Also preceding in death were her two older children, Janis Jones and Steven Johnson. In lieu of flowers the family is asking donations to be made to Christ United Methodist Church of Great Falls. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.OConnorFuneralHome.com.