Geraldine B. Johnson

Geraldine “Gerry” B. Johnson OGDEN – Geraldine “Gerry” Burgener Johnson, 81, passed away Friday, May 9, 2008 at her home following a sudden illness. Gerry was born June 14, 1926 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Maynard L. and Mable Mahoney Burgener. She attended Salt Lake City Schools, graduating from East High School in 1944. After leaving home for Utah State University to attend college, she met and later married J. Raymond “Ray” Johnson on June 11, 1946 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They later moved to Ogden, and then Nephi, Utah after Ray accepted a position in the Dairy Industry. They returned to Ogden in 1947, after starting their family. Once the children were attending school, Gerry returned to Utah State University, receiving her BS Degree in 1958. After graduation, she accepted a position with the Ogden City School District, teaching 3rd and 4th grade at Lincoln, Lynn and Bonneville Elementary Schools during her 25 years in education. She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority (for teachers) throughout her career. Gerry and Ray loved to dance and were members of the Variannes Dance Club of Ogden for many years. Mom and Dad, Mike and Barbara Avondet, Elwood and Bea Costley, John and Della Mae Miller, Worth and Geniel Wheelwright, met together monthly for over 50 years. During that time they dined, danced and traveled together throughout the world. They rang in the New Year together as a group for over 55 consecutive years. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mound Fort 1st Ward. Gerry served a service mission with her husband at the Ogden LDS Employment Center. She served for many years in the Lomond View and Mound Fort Ward Primary, Young Woman, and Relief Society Organizations. One of her favorite callings was Ward Librarian. At the time of her passing she was faithfully serving as a counselor in the Relief Society Presidency, and as a Visiting Teacher. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family and friends. She loved to quilt and offered her living room to the relief society where many beautiful quilts were created. Her collections of spoons from her travels throughout the world are a familiar site in her kitchen. She loved to read, finishing her last book a few days before her sudden illness. A 53 year tradition of giving Christmas gifts of homemade chocolates, for family and friends, will be missed by all this year. Her family will continue to enjoy the hours she spent taking pictures and assembling some 25 scrapbooks of her beautiful work. Gerry was preceded in death by her husband Ray in 2006. She is survived by her daughter Radene, Ogden; sons J. Russell, and Dale B. (Catherine), both of Sandy; Dee W. (Kristine), Farmington; 17 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister Patricia (Wayne) Russell, Layton. Mom was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Katherine (Wayne) Russell, Barbara (Bob) Terry, and a granddaughter McKaylee Johnson. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 15 at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may call at the mortuary on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Thursday 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Interment, Roy City Cemetery, 5200 South 2300 West. The family would like to thank Summit Home Health & Hospice and especially Brenda Postel for her gentle and tender loving care the past few months for our mother. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian or Perpetual Education Fund. Send condolences to the family at: www.lindquistmortuary.com