Anne Johnson

SOUTH JORDAN, Utah - Anne Elizabeth Johnson, a loving mother of six and skilled tradeswoman whose life was marked by faith, athletic prowess and a tenacious spirit, died on April 20, 2024 in South Jordan, Utah, after a courageous three-decade battle with breast cancer. She was 64.
Born on July 18, 1959, to Jesse Robert Nelson and Edith Marie Rotzler, Anne was the fifth of six children. As the daughter of a Navy pilot, her childhood was shaped by frequent relocations, living in California, Texas, Utah, Japan, and elsewhere. This instilled in her a sense of adaptability and resilience.
Athletics were a constant in Anne's life. In high school, she excelled in volleyball, basketball, softball, and track, even reaching the junior olympic volleyball team. This passion continued at Snow College in Ephraim, Utah, where she played volleyball, basketball and softball during her freshman year. It was also at Snow College that she met her future husband, Steven Johnson, through his sister, her teammate.
They married in 1978 in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Anne prioritized raising their six children, Wesley, Tyson, Stefanie, Ashley, Jessica, and Thomas. However, her love for sports remained vibrant. She continued playing recreationally and instilled that passion in her children and grandchildren, coaching many of their teams.
She held various roles throughout her career, including umpire, temple cook, electrician apprentice, and most recently, a fabricator of aircraft, spacecraft, and satellite components, including parts used in the Hubble Telescope's historic repair mission and the James Webb space telescope.
Anne was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1991, undergoing a mastectomy. True to her competitive nature, she approached her recovery with the same dedication she brought to sports. In 2017, she faced a new challenge with the return of cancer, undergoing aggressive treatment. Despite her determination, the cancer recurred in late 2022.
Described by family as fiercely loyal, hardworking, and generous to a fault, Anne left an indelible mark on all who knew her. "She left it all on the field," echoing the spirit with which she approached both life and athletics.
Anne was preceded in death by her older brothers, Daniel and Stephen and sister-in-law Katrina. She is survived by her parents, Bob and Marie Nelson, siblings James (Carol), and Robin Money (Nolan), Michael and sisters-in-law, Karen and Patti. She is also survived by her six children: Wes (Beckee), Tyson (Lindsey), Stefanie Allen (Nathan), Ashley Jarrett (Cody), Jessica Gardner (Bret) and Thomas (Lidi) and her 22 grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on April 27, 2024 at the Glenmoor 8th Ward, 4200 West Skye Drive, South Jordan, UT 84009. A viewing will also be held prior to the service from 9:30 - 10:45 AM. Interment will be at the South Jordan City Cemetery.