Caroldean R. Johnson

Caroldean R. Johnson, 91, passed away in Fresno, CA, on August 8, 2025. She was born in Modesto, CA, to Robert and Viola Ladd on March 21, 1934.

Carol grew up on her parents farm near Escalon, CA, attending local schools, graduating from Escalon High School in 1952. She often talked about her time as a "majorette" and all of the many friends that she stayed connected to throughout her life. In 1952, she also married Michael C. Johnson, and was married for 67 years until his passing in 2019.

After High School, Carol worked at a local cannery and later as a bookkeeper in San Luis Obispo while Mike completed his education at Cal Poly, SLO (also obtaining her "PHT" degree, "Pushing Hubby Through"). They returned to Escalon and worked on the family dairy for several years before moving to Modesto, where they spent the next 50 years in the car business.

For most of the 1970's and 1980's, they operated a small herd of registered Angus known as Holiday Cattle. Carol not only kept all the records, she fed and doctored cattle, irrigated, and was hugely active in all aspects of the ranch, including showing cattle at fairs and shows throughout the state. During that time, they made many dear friends that became like family. After the cattle years, they became devout Oakland Raider fans, and it was said that her greatest joy was taking the grandchildren to Raider games in Oakland. Carol knew the stats as well as most men!

After Mike's passing and spending a year in Modesto during "Covid," she moved to Bakersfield where she lived independently until moving to Hanford earlier this year.

Carol will be greatly missed by sons Mark (Tammy) and Dan (Paula), grandchildren Christopher (Chrissy) Johnson, Samantha (Tyler) Pepe, Mason (Kristina) Johnson, Kathryn (Michael) Bertozzi, Tyler (Taylor) Johnson, and Hannah Johnson (Melahku Yohannes, fiance), and great-grandchildren Kaden Hargis Johnson, Joy Johnson, Emily Bertozzi, Reagan Johnson, Harper Pepe, Paisley Pepe, and Kaley Johnson. She is also survived by sister-in-law Karen Baggese, brother-in-law Sterling (Renee) Johnson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She will be remembered for her fierce love of family, keeping an immaculate home that always felt safe, and her healthy cooking.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Burwood Cemetery near Escalon.

A special thank you to all of the staff and new friends at Valley Christian Home in Hanford for their loving friendship and care over the last 6 months. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.