Karen Johnston

On January 20, 2025, Momma left us to join up with her husband, the love of her life. Karen Dayle Read was born March 26, 1934, in Ogden, Utah to Thelma and Lewis Read. She attended Burch Creek Elementary, Riverdale Junior High, and Weber High School.

She met Dale Johnston at lunch time at Riverdale Junior High when he rescued her lunch from a thief. As his reward, she shared her banana with him.

Momma graduated from Weber High in 1952 where she was a cheerleader for all three years. She carried that cheering attitude with her for the rest of her life. Her favorite person to cheer for was Daddy. She made sure each of her daughters cheered as loud as she did!

On December 5, 1952, Dale and Karen were married in the Salt Lake Temple. Their first year of married life, they managed “The Wheel” in Mountain Green. A year later, they moved to their “Love Home” in Clearfield where they spent the rest of their lives together.

In the span of 8 years, they were blessed with five daughters. She dedicated her life to supporting her family. She was at all the basketball games, the soccer games, football games, the gymnastic meets, the volleyball games, and even UNO games. She most often beat all of us at the card games. Her family brought her joy.

Momma loved the Lord. She was a great example of love, service, and compassion. She held many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served as Camp Director, Primary Chorister, Primary Teacher, Primary President, Mutual President, Stake Young Women’s Counselor and Secretary. All the Young Women loved her. She loved them too, they had a special name for her: Mrs. J.

Every weekend, Momma had the camper packed and ready for a new adventure. We all would load up and go with Daddy in whatever direction he took us. Momma never complained but taught us to love the mountains and love being together. While Momma loved the outdoors, she gave up her time so her daughters could spend time with their father while she tended the grandkids. 

As the grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along, she would give them birthday parties at her home. It brought everyone together. Her traditions were handed down and cherished by her whole family.

Momma was the best storyteller. She started telling the Camp Lamondi story at girls camp when she was Camp Director. She was famous for dressing up as the Native American from the past. She would have everyone wrapped around her little finger as she told her stories.

Momma was a great example of showing love for everyone. We will miss her but are so grateful for the plan of Happiness. We know we will see her and daddy, side by side, again. 

Karen is survived by: Debra Lynn Johnston Carter (Dale Carter), Patti Johnston (George Sweeten), Daleen Johnston, Bonnie Marie Johnston, Loralee Johnston Wilson, and Chris Cannon (Jill Cannon).

Proceeding her in death: her parents, Dale C. Johnston (husband), Jerry Hamblin (grandson), William Read (brother), Delores Kimbal (sister), Bud Read (brother).

Momma’s legacy included 29 grandchildren, 60 great grandchildren, and 5+1 great great-grandchildren. 

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Lindquist’s Syracuse Mortuary. 869 South 2000 West, Syracuse. Friends may visit with family on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. at the mortuary.

Interment at the Hooper Cemetery. 

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