Shirley Jean Johnson

1939 - 2021

Shirley Jean Johnson

LOLO – Shirley Jean Johnson, 82, of Lolo, passed away on Thursday October 21,2021 at her home with her many nieces and nephews by her side.

Shirley was born on February 24, 1939 in Polson, Montana. She was one of 14 children born to Norwegian parents, Ole and Emma Thompson Nelson. Her family later moved to Missoula. She attended high school at the Missoula County High School and graduated in 1957. After graduation, she moved out to Seattle to live with her sister, Pearl.

Shirley met her husband, Chuck Johnson, at a dance in Tacoma, Washington in 1959 and they were married on February 6, 1960. Shirley and Chuck enjoyed living in Seattle. She worked at an insurance agency and he in the chrome plating business. Each weekend would find them boating and fishing in the Puget Sound and in Canada, unless they decided to make a quick trip to Montana to have a good time with the family. In 1969, the Montana family won their hearts. They moved to the Stevensville area until the home they were building in Lolo was completed.

Shirley loved hard work. She was employed at Glacier General Assurance Company until she and her husband started their own business, All American Bumper and Plating. In 1989, they opened Powder Coating of Montana. Hard work was both of their mottos, but they always rewarded their hard work with lots of play. Family was their number one love and enjoyed many weekends with them at Blue Bay on Flathead Lake. They boated, water skied, fished and had more fun than anyone could imagine. Their second best get away was Shirley's sister and brother-in-law's ranch in Stevensville. They would take a quick 20-minute drive and often times spend the night. Life at the ranch would include several activities including branding, farming, hunting, gardening, canning, and gopher hunting. Once the outdoor activities ended, they were sure to pick up a game of pinochle, cribbage or dice, as well as a few drinks!

Shirley and Chuck enjoyed their travels. They ventured to Canada for family reunions, Wisconsin to visit Chuck's family, small trips around Montana, and cruises to Alaska, through the Panama Canal, Mexico, Hawaii, Aruba, and the Oregon Coast. Having great faith, Shirley was also very involved with the Lolo Community Church. Her favorite Bible verse was I Thessalonians 4:11, "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, so that you daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anyone." She fully lived her life in this manner. Shirley's final wishes were to be in her home until her death. After a long hospitalization, her family cared for her at her home. She passed peacefully, with dignity, and with a sharp, clear mind. By her side were many loved nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Chuck and all of her brothers and sisters. She is survived by her sisters-in-laws and a brother-in-law and many, many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews.

Shirley's family would like to recognize both Hospice of Missoula and Azaleas Home Care and Services for the tremendous care they provided for both Shirley and their families. Services will be held at a later date in the spring of 2022. The family requests memorials be made to Hospice of Missoula, 1900 So. Reserve, Missoula, MT 59801 or Lolo Community Church, PO Box 1323, Lolo, MT 59847. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.