Grace Johanson

Grace Lythgoe Johanson, 83, returned peacefully to her Heavenly Father Thursday, August 11, 2011 at her home in Morgan, Utah.

She was born October 10, 1927 in Henefer, Utah to Neils Peterson Lythgoe and Ruth Mary Stephens. She grew up on a ranch in Henefer where she learned the meaning of hard work. She learned to love the outdoors, wild flowers, and animals, including riding horses and brahma bulls. She graduated from North Summit High School, in Coalville, Utah.

Grace loved to dance and was often found two-stepping around the dance floor at the old Henefer dance hall. On June 20, 1947 Grace was married and sealed to her eternal sweetheart, Leonard Keith Johanson, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.

Grace was an active member of the LDS church and had served in many different callings and every organization. She was the perfect example of a Visiting Teacher. Her sisters knew she loved them and she never missed a visit. She loved to serve and was currently caring for and preparing the baptismal clothing. Grace and Keith served an LDS mission in Apia, Western Samoa and Independence, Missouri. She was also very proud of her pioneer heritage and was a member of The Daughters of Utah Pioneers. She retired from The Browning Arms Co. in Mountain Green, Utah where she worked for 15 years.

One of Grace's proudest moments was when she and one of her best friends decided that there needed to be a flag posted at the top of "M" mountain to demonstrate the love they felt for their country and for Morgan County. They made arrangements for a flag and pole and they were off on their way to the top. They hiked to the "M" several times a year and would enjoy a picnic as they embraced the awesome view of the valley. It was not an easy task and took several adjustments and flags until they were satisfied with the results. They could now sit on their front porches and see the flag flying in the breeze. This patriotic venture has become a tradition that is now being taken care of by Morgan High School.

A passion of Grace's was stringing, painting, sewing clothes and dressing porcelain dolls. She has made over one hundred dolls. She had made dolls for each of her children and her grandchildren. Keith made five beautiful doll cases for each of their daughters and daughter-in-laws. All of her dolls are on display in these cabinets in her home. Treasures were made for everyone.

Charity was a gift that Grace exercised throughout her life. She taught this to her children by having them go with her to visit a neighbor or two and share a loaf of homemade bread or cinnamon rolls. She would often walk down the street and stop to visit someone. Grace loved everybody and everybody loved Grace. She took time to comfort the weary, make someone smile and share the Light of Christ with them.

Grace's family was her most prized possession. She loved each one of them and she tried hard to support as many activities and ordinances as she could. They made her life complete and full of joy. Her Christmas and 4th of July parties were very special to her and her family. She worked hard to make them fun, spiritual and full of special memories.

Surviving are four children, Larry Keith Johanson (Arlys), Kristine Sommers, (John), Van Lythgoe Johanson (Jonene), Ken George, son-in law, all of Morgan and Cindy Kay Moody (Bill) of Syracuse, Utah. Grace loved and leaves 27 grandchildren and 44 great- grandchildren. She will now be able to kiss and send to us seven more expected great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister, Imogene Calderwood (Larry) of Henefer, Utah.

Preceding her in death is her sweetheart Keith, one daughter, Jennifer George, and one great-granddaughter, Olivia May Hadley, brothers, Lynn and Jay, and sister Wilma Moore.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 18, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in the Rock Church, 10 West Young Street, with Bishop McClellan officiating. Friends may call at the Walker Mortuary in Morgan Wednesday, Aug 17 from 6-8 p.m. and Thursday from 9:45-10:45 at the Rock Church.

Interment, South Morgan Cemetery.