Melba Smith Johnson

Melba Smith Johnson

FARMINGTON a€" Melba Smith Johnson of Farmington passed away peaceful on Monday, April 5, 2010. She was born on April 30, 1914 to Frederick and Maria Newey Smith at the home Frederick had built on 233 West Patterson Ave in Ogden. She spent her girlhood there, graduating from Ogden High School in May 1932 and Weber College in June 1934. She went on to Utah State Agricultural College and graduated with a degree in Home Economics in June 1936. She attended summer school at Berkeley in 1937 and the University of Utah in 1938.

Melba began her career as a first grade teacher at Grant School in Ogden (1936-1937) and then Hight School in Milford (1937-1939). She transferred to the South Washington High School in Ogden (1939-1941). Melba worked for many years for the Union Pacific Railroad.

Melba married Joseph Smith Johnson on August 17, 1957 and solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on May 24, 1968. He bought her a home in Emigration Canyon as a wedding present and later built her a beautiful home in Farmington. In January 1968, Melba and Jay welcomed Gary Smith Johnson into their home. Baby Gary brought much joy to them and to Melba''s mother who was also living with them. Gary and his children were the lights of their lives.

Melba was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling. One of her fondest memories was of a tour of Europe in 1953. She was able to meet her father''s family in England. Melba was a member of the Farmington 1st LDS Ward for many years. For the past 22 months she has been a member of Country Lane LDS Branch in Farmington.

Melba is preceded in death by her husband Jay, son Gary, and brother Grant Newey Smith. She is survived by her grandchildren Kacy and Kimberleigh Johnson, her nieces Martha McDaneld, Diane Smith, and Carol L''Orange, her dear friend Orie Stracke.

The family wishes to thank Amanda, her caregiver and the staff of Country Living in Farmington for taking such good care of her in her final year.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 2 p.m. at the Farmington Rock Chapel, 272 N. Main Friends and family may call Saturday from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. at the church. Interment, Ogden City Cemetery.

Funeral directors, Lindquist''s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.