Marta Lake

1945 - 2025

Marta Lake

1945 - 2025

- Marta Lee Johnson Lake

Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother

August 1, 1945 – October 2, 2025

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Marta Lee Johnson Lake, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025, surrounded by her five living children and other family members who adored her.

Marta, the youngest of seven children, was born to Harvey Leon and Frances Norma Elizabeth Martindale Johnson in Boise, Idaho, and raised in Rupert and Burley before moving to Salt Lake City as a teenager. She graduated from South High School in 1963 and went on to attend the University of Utah. At just 18 years old, she was introduced to Joseph Gordon Lake (Joe) by a mutual friend. Their first date was on November 22, 1963. The two quickly fell in love, became engaged on St. Patrick's Day in 1964, and were married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 21, 1964.

Marta was endlessly creative, expressing her talents through oil painting, porcelain dolls, counted cross-stitch, and in designing their dream home. As a young mother, she ran a small business, MarJo Originals, designing and selling crocheted Barbie clothes and their patterns. She was also a gifted seamstress, known for her attention to detail and the love woven into every stitch. Marta sewed dresses for her daughters and granddaughters – creations that were as thoughtful as they were beautiful. For her son's wedding, she lovingly designed and handcrafted the bridesmaids' dresses, blending elements from multiple patterns to create a unique and perfect design tailored just for her new daughter-in-law.

But Marta's most cherished and enduring role was that of wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She wholeheartedly supported Joe in his dream of helping hospitalized children through the founding of Children's Miracle Network, serving as its first administrative assistant and being affectionately recognized as its fifth original founder. At home, she lovingly raised their family of six children, opening her heart and home when they adopted their youngest daughter, Kirsten, at the age of seven – completing their family circle.

Diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment at the age of 55, Marta bravely lived with Alzheimer's for 25 years. Though the disease robbed her of many abilities – including the chance to be the grandmother she longed to be – her fierce love for her children, grandchildren, and even her great-grandchildren endured. Remarkably, in her final weeks she still remembered her great-grandchildren and found endless joy in family visits, especially when the little kids came.

Marta was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served faithfully in many callings and constantly sought ways to bless others. Even during her time in memory care, she became known as the "Cruise Director," ensuring residents felt included, lifting spirits with her humor and dancing, and sharing her unwavering testimony of faith. Though conversation often escaped her, she could still offer a prayer or bear a testimony filled with clarity, conviction, and the Spirit. Her life was a living sermon of Christlike love – she truly loved everyone she met, and countless lives were lifted by her selfless service.

Marta was preceded in death by her eternal companion, Joe Lake, who passed away just six months ago; her parents, Harvey and Norma Johnson; her six siblings, Zenda Crandall, Thayne Johnson, Dale Johnson, Melbadeane Whitehead, Noreen Crossman, and her "partner in crime," Lila Bachelder; and her daughter, Marcine Lake (2017). We take comfort in knowing she is now reunited with Joe, Marcine, her family, and many dear friends in a joyous heavenly reunion – whole and free at last from the burdens of memory loss.

She is survived by her children Machelle, Craig (Susan), Melinda Brey (Kurt), Brad (Stacey), and Kirsten Huertas (Izzy); 20 grandchildren and their spouses; and soon-to-be six great-grandchildren who will carry her love forward.

Mom, you were truly one of a kind – Christlike, selfless, strong, and beautiful. Words cannot describe what you meant to us, the depth of your love, or the gift of your example. To us, you were an angel on earth. Your testimony and boundless compassion will live on forever in all who were blessed to know you.

A viewing will be held Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and Friday, October 10, 2025, from 12:00 to 12:45 p.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Butler 11th Ward, 1845 East 7200 South, Cottonwood Heights, Utah 84121.

Funeral services will be at the same location on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., followed by interment at Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 E 4580 S, Millcreek, Utah 84117.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Inspiration Home Health and Hospice and Escalante Memory Care for their tender love and care of Mom. A special thanks to our hospice nurse, Madison Boyd – Madi, we could not have made it through these last seven months without you. We love and appreciate you so much.