Louanna Aline Cahoon

Louanna Aline Cahoon, 74, passed away peacefully early in the morning of February 15, 2025, after an extended battle with pulmonary fibrosis. In completing her journey through this mortal life, she has been joyously reunited with her parents, Dean Alexander Johnson Jr. and Rose Marie Beatrice Antoinette Poulin ("Toni"), and her son Michael Cahoon.
Louanna is survived by her sister Leilani McInerney and brother Dean Johnson III, husband Reynolds Cahoon, children Michelle (Bob) Meyers, Ryan (Wanawan) Cahoon, Cindy (Ben) Gilbert, Colleen (Craig) Young, and Anthony Cahoon (Erick B.), and 22 wonderful grandchildren. She was a beloved sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to everyone. Her warmth, humor, and kindness touched all who knew her.
Louanna was born on September 26, 1950, in Dallas, Texas to Dean and Toni Johnson. She was the middle child of three, including her older sister Leilani and younger brother Dean. She had an idyllic childhood, playing outside every day with her siblings and their combined imaginations, under the watch of their devoted mother. Even at an early age, she had a witty sense of humor, constantly pointing out things that were incredibly funny.
After high school Louanna started pursuing a nursing degree at a local college in Dallas. She was also seeking spiritual answers and attended different churches, searching to know which to join. A young man she knew invited her to meet with missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was curious, and as she learned, she felt strongly their message was true. Though unsure if she was ready, she accepted their invitation and was baptized on November 21, 1970. Her witness of and personal devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ has been a quiet constant for her and her family throughout her life.
Soon after her baptism, a friend at church encouraged Louanna to transfer to Brigham Young University. She did so, and completed her degree in April 1974, making some lifelong friends along the way.
She and Reynolds met at BYU in a Sunday School class and soon started jogging together. They dated some but were not engaged by the time she graduated. She considered moving back to Texas, but after attending an outdoor fireside together where a song reminded Reynolds that "the world has need of willing men," he asked her to marry him. She happily accepted, and they were married on December 21, 1974, in the Cardston, Alberta temple not far from Reynolds' childhood home. Michelle, Ryan, and Cindy were born within the next 5 years.
They moved to Cedar City, Utah where Reynolds finished his accounting degree at Southern Utah State College. In 1981 they moved their family to Richardson, Texas, where they lived for the next 13 years. Michael, Colleen, and Anthony joined their family there. Along with Reynolds' accounting job in Dallas, Louanna worked news research, with some help from Reynolds. Every morning for many years they worked for the major newspapers in Dallas. The family later moved to Katy, Texas in 1994, then to The Woodlands in 2005, where Louanna and Reynolds have lived ever since.
Louanna was completely devoted to her children and spent countless hours encouraging them to develop their talents, including in music and sports. She loved going to every event in their lives. She also had a "mama bear" streak that helped protect and defend them as they grew up.
She loved serving in her church, working often with the children to teach them about Jesus and help them choose to follow him. She also ministered quietly in the background for years to those with some of the most difficult challenges in their lives. Many friends remember her for her sweet, gentle, and patient service.
In later years Louanna loved showing up to encourage and support her grandchildren in their school, sports, music, and other accomplishments, as well as in their own personal journeys. They remember her for her tender heart, and how proud she always was of them. She could always talk with them, and help them feel loved, remembered, accepted, and encouraged.
A celebration of Louanna's beautiful life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 21, 2025, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 25623 Richards Rd., Spring, Texas. A viewing will be held from 10:00 – 10:50 AM at the same location, with interment at 2:00 PM at Klein Funeral Home, 14711 FM 1488, Magnolia, Texas. Friends and family are invited to come and celebrate this gentle and remarkable woman who touched so many lives with her kindness and love.
The following live broadcast link will be available for those unable to attend the funeral. https://www.youtube.com/live/pGbNtpokVoE?feature=shared