Dorothy Elaine Erskine Johansen

Our wife, mother, grandmother Dorothy Johansen, passed away peacefully November 17 2017 at her home in Riverton. Born February 14, 1934 to Aldred and Frances Erskine. She married William Johansen May 22 1952 in Burbank, California.
Survived by her husband; children Fran (Ron) Jensen, Curt (Ronda) Johansen, Howard (Kelly) Johansen, David Johansen, and Juliane (Steve) Raleigh; 24 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild; and one brother, Gene Erskine. Preceded in death by her parents; one son, Steven Johansen; and brother, Melvin Erskine.
Mother passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family. Her husband Bill is her best friend. Every night before retiring for the evening, they would say their prayers and read stories from the scriptures or from the stories they learned while on their Martin's Cove missions. Reading the stories they learned about the pioneers brought them both great joy. Mom and Dad served three missions together. Two missions at the Martin's Cove Visitors Center in Wyoming and one mission at the LDS Employment Center in Riverton. Her entire life was filled with service, both to her family, friends, neighbors, and everyone she worked with in her church callings.
Mother had a deep and abiding testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She treasured and honored her membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her service in the church throughout her life included teacher, Primary President, Relief Society President, Family History Consultant, plus two Family History missions at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. Mom also served as a Visiting Teacher for more than 45 years consecutively.
Mom always sought ways to stay in touch with family and friends. A phone call, a letter, a card, a personal visit, a meal, or a gift was her way of keeping family ties strong. Her family also included all her ancestors. She worked on her genealogy for more than sixty years after her Uncle Elton taught by example the importance of "seeking after" our deceased family members. We treasure the letters she wrote to cousins, aunts, uncles and many extended family members because of the letters she received in return. The binders of genealogy with names, dates, and places all filled out was a treasure she gave to each child and grandchild. She worked tirelessly to "bind on earth" all the ancestors she found through her research.
Mom never let a moment go by without working on a project for someone. Quilts, crochet dresses for granddaughters and great-granddaughters, so many that we've lost track of the count. Teddy Bear baby blankets for lots of babies in the family and also for friends. Doll dresses, both fabric and crochet have brought happy smiles to many little girls. One simple thing that brought great joy to Mom was a butterfly. Years ago, she had nursed an injured butterfly back to health. When the butterfly was ready to return to nature, the last moment was spent flying in circles around Mom. Then Dad told her that the butterfly was telling her "thank you" for being so kind. That's our mother, the kindest person we've ever known.
"Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her." Proverbs 31:28
Funeral services will be Tuesday, November 28, 11:00 AM at the LDS Chapel, 12525 S Redwood Rd, Riverton, with a viewing at 10:00 AM. Viewing also held on Monday, November 27, 5:00-6:30 PM at the Broomhead Funeral Home, 12600 S 2200 W, Riverton. Interment Utah Veterans Memorial Park.