Sophie Marie (Thompson) Johnson, 99
Sophie Marie (Thompson) Johnson was born May 29, 1917, on the family farm near Litchville, North Dakota, to Thorvald and Olive (Sortland) Thompson. She was the second of six children. She attended a one room school in Svea, North Dakota with her (future) husband, Roy V. Johnson. After graduating from high school she earned her teaching degree from Valley City Teacher’s College and worked as a teacher for several years in eastern North Dakota and Minnesota.
Sophie and Roy were married in 1945 after Roy returned from service in World War II. They subsequently moved to Kalispell and, in 1947 when the family began to grow, she dedicated herself full time to caring for her family, which she considered her main calling in life. When the youngest of her five children entered school, she returned to the classroom as a tutor, substitute teacher, aide — and surrogate grandmother — for the children there.
Sophie continued her caring and loving ways with her grandchildren. She was, as one granddaughter’s college friend commented, a “real grandma,” baking cookies and Norwegian pastries, becoming a “pusher” of such delights to the joy of all.
Sophie was not only loving but patient and wise in her relationships. Not one of her children or grandchildren missed out on her brushing their hair from their forehead and hearing her say “It’ll be OK,” followed by “Let’s have a cookie and some milk …”
With Roy, her husband of 54 years, Sophie left a remarkable legacy of being the man and woman whom every one of her children would say of all the people they have ever known, they respect them the most of all. They were simply good people, living their lives in concert with their faith in their Lord, upon whom they relied for all things in life, and now, in death.
Roy died in 1999, Sophie on Dec. 27, 2016. “They are now side by side once again, heading home on the shoulders of the Good Shepherd.” Their trust in God’s grace was nurtured for over 60 years as active members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kalispell. Roy sang in the choir (for more than 50 years), while Sophie sat with their five children in one of the front pews every Sunday, trying to maintain some decorum and control over them. She was also very active in the women’s groups (“circle” and “Ladies Aid.”).
Sophie was preceded in death by her parents, all of her siblings, her husband Roy, her youngest son Tom, and much loved son-in-law, Mark Egertson (Sharon’s husband).
She is survived by her daughter, Sharon, and three sons, Steve (Linda), Dave, and Jim (Nancy). She is also survived by 21 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Having died five months before her 100th birthday, it is fair to say that she outlived all of her friends and most of her acquaintances.
While her family is saddened by her death, the overarching sense which we share for her is joy. “She is finally at rest and finally beside her beloved Roy again and enjoying face-to-face all those reunions and heavenly things for which she once hoped and now possesses by the grace of our God who so loves the world.”
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kalispell.
“Rest in peace, Mom. With our children, we’ll see you in the morning.”