Vergene Johnson, 91

Vergene Johnson passed away on Dec. 27, 2016, at the age of 91 at the Springs of Whitefish.

Born on April 24, 1924, in Spokane, the only child of Wesley and Dorothy Ainley, her family relocated to Kalispell during Vergene’s grade school years. She graduated from Flathead County High School with the class of 1942. In 1946, she married John Luther Johnson and raised two sons, Gordon and Steven, in Kalispell. While her family was growing up they enjoyed camping, fishing, skiing and hiking with her.

Vergene worked as a businesswoman for many years at the Montgomery Ward department store in Kalispell, retiring as the assistant store manager and later working part-time for the Mountain Trader for several years. Upon retirement she and Johnny purchased an older cabin on the shores of Bitterroot Lake and remodeled it to make it their year-round home. Vergene and Johnny spent many enjoyable years at Bitterroot Lake entertaining their five grandchildren. In addition they traveled all around the western U.S., often with Johnny’s brothers and sisters and spouses, during their retirement years. Her husband of almost 53 years passed in 1999 and she moved back into Kalispell to be closer to family.

Vergene was a loving and generous lady who made sure all of her sons and grandchildren were able to afford a college education and were always welcome at her home. Her family was able to visit at her side and say goodbye during her final days.

She leaves behind sons, Gordon and Kay Johnson of Kalispell, Steven and Dawn Johnson of Kent, Washington, grandchildren Curran and Lindsey of Spirit Lake, Idaho, Whitney and husband Ehren Hart of Seattle, Jeremiah and Katie of Great Falls, Jake and Brandi of Bakersfield, California, Hannah of Kent, along with three great grandchildren.

A private graveside service will take place where she will rest beside her husband at the Conrad Cemetery. A memorial to her life is planned for summer.