Carma Cole Johnson

Carma Cole Johnson was a gardener, homemaker, gift giver, cabin builder, decorator, organizer, seamstress, party hostess, award winning retail salesperson, and so much more. She felt lucky to enjoy her health and independent living to the age of 93. A force of nature, her life has been an example of strength, wisdom, and endurance.

She was born May 22, 1932 in Nephi, Utah to Frank Forrest and Elma Hinton Cole. She had 12 brothers and sisters. (Survived by Jeannine Van Ausdal, Gail Purdue, Lynnette Ortiz, Lanny Cole, and Roxanna Burton.) She was proud of her grandparents who built the first home in Hurricane, Utah, which still stands as part of the museum. She married Marvin J. Johnson, May 13, 1952. Together they loved to dance, especially the jitterbug. They raised four daughters, Kathryn Buhler (Donald), Karie Lynn Bird (David), Carla Rae Darveau (Kerry), Callene Flox (Scott). They have 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren and one great, great-grandchild.

Carma served her family as a wonderful wife and mother. She and Marv raised their family camping, sailboarding, boating, waterskiing, snow skiing, snowmobiling, and all kinds of play at the cabin they built in Midway. They worked hard to provide activities the family would enjoy. She kept a beautiful home and provided good food, meaningful celebrations and gatherings for family and friends.

She taught us to be competent, do things well, appreciate beauty, quality, and to do work with distinction. She retired from ZCMI (Macy’s) where her keen eye for fit and fashion made her a top salesperson in women’s clothing. She could always choose the perfect item and fit in her gift giving. For many years, Carma and Marv traveled the world taking annual trips with friends from RCA where Marv worked. They enjoyed people and new places and brought home thoughtful souvenirs and wonderful stories.

She always put family first. She enjoyed warm relationships with her siblings, in-laws, nieces and nephews and was a fun grandma.

Carma passed away on February 18, 2026 of complications from pancreatic cancer. She was courageous and kind to the end. These last days were filled with her humor, wisdom and light. The family would like to thank her neighbors for decades of friendship and service. Thanks also to hospice workers and caretakers who served with warmth and professionalism.

Friends and family will celebrate Carma’s life, and our love for her, on Friday February 27, 2026. 10:00 viewing, 11:00 Life Celebration, 12:30 Burial with a luncheon following at Mountain View Mortuary where she will be laid to rest with our dad. She is looking forward to dancing with him again.