Mary Helen Johnson

Mary Helen Johnson went home to be with her Lord and Savior February 18th, 2026. Mary was born May 8th, 1940 in Idaho Falls, Idaho to George & Charlotte Holm. She was the oldest of three girls. Mary grew up on the family farm in Idaho Falls. She attended grades first thru sixth in a 2-room school house, York Elementary School. At this point, the family moved closer to town. Mary attended middle school at O.E.Bell Jr. High. For her high school years she attended Idaho Falls High School. After High School, Mary attended Clarks Business College for secretarial school, followed by Links School of Business where she received a Business Degree in1958. While attending Links School of Business, Mary met Fern Johnson (Dons sister).

Mary was a Bridesmaid in Fern’s wedding where she met Don who was also a Groomsman. Mary and Don were paired together to walk down the aisle. Mary thought Don was handsome. They happened to be the only singles in the wedding party. Magic happened during the wedding for those two 😊.  Their courtship was spent sending letters back and forth for a couple of years. Mary always joked that Don got to walk her down the aisle twice.

The Lake Hazel farm house was built once the engagement was announced. Mary married the love of her life on June 24th, 1960. Mary worked side by side with Don on the farm and dairy for 40 years.  Over time the acreage grew from 40 acres to 300 acres.

Mary had her own cake decorating business on the side. For many years Mary blessed numerous people with her beautiful special occasion and wedding cakes. Her sons all took their turns holding cakes during transport, and helping with setup.

When the kids were younger, Mary and Don were instrumental in forming a neighborhood pinochle club. Lots of fun and lasting memories are cherished.

Mary was active in the Kuna Methodist Church since 1960, where she played the piano and sang in the choir. Her musical talents went beyond the piano. Mary played the accordion from the time she was a small child. For many years, Mary would play at Sunday family dinners and holiday gatherings. Family was very important to Mary.

For many years, Mary was active in the local 4-H club, the Kuna FFA, and was a judge at the Western Idaho State Fair in the Culinary and Home Arts department. Mary was a member of the   Highline Star Grange. In the Grange she held local, state and national offices. Mary was the 1st woman to hold the Idaho State Grange Master office. She also held the National Chaplin office for several years.  Her and Don enjoyed traveling the country attending the National Grange Conventions. Through the Grange, Mary and Don started giving dictionaries to the third graders in the Kuna School District. Mary was recently interviewed from Channel 7 on their service of delivering the dictionaries to the Kuna 3rd graders for 25+ years. As always, Mary did not want this to be about her. They continued to promote their dictionary mission through the next generation with their granddaughter, who is in Elementary Education. Mary enjoyed motivating, and watching kids expand their horizons, set goals, and believe in themselves.

While raising their family Mary and Don decided it was their duty to give back to their community. They enjoyed working with people and being a part of leadership. Mary and Don were key players in starting the Boys & Girls club in Kuna. Their motivation was not to have accomplishments but to build a better community for future generations. Through a lifetime of service to the community, they have seen multiple generations benefit from the many programs.

Mary’s family will remember her for her love for her Lord, her unwavering devotion, love and compassion toward others, her generosity, hard work, and always having a smile on her face.

Mary is survived by her sons: Chuck Johnson (Sarah) Meridian, Idaho, Norm Johnson (Jamie) Adrian, Oregon, Greg Johnson, Caldwell, Idaho, eight Grandchildren, and twelve Great-grandchildren, two sisters Jean Robinson Idaho Falls, Idaho, Norma Rognlie (David) Meridian, Idaho, and multiple nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mary’s name to Kuna FFA: Don and Mary Scholarship Foundation. C/O Kuna High School, 637 E Deer Flat Road, Kuna, ID 83634