LaRita Schafer Johnson

LaRita Schafer Johnson, of Longmont, CO, was born on November 14, 1958 in Hendricks, MN to Harold and Vera Schafer. Surrounded by her husband and children, Jesus brought her home to heaven on June 7, 2025 at the age of 66 after a nearly seven year long battle with brain tumors. 

Growing up, LaRita's family moved frequently around the midwest. She attended Crown College in Minnesota where she met Tim Johnson, her beloved husband of nearly 41 years. LaRita was trained as a secretary and worked for several companies in Minnesota and Iowa before becoming a stay-at-home mom and homemaker. LaRita and Tim had two children, Lydia and Caleb, and LaRita diligently homeschooled both children through high school. 

LaRita was very active in her church throughout most of her life, and her faith in Jesus Christ was a defining characteristic of who she was. Even in her final weeks, those caring for her and visiting her commented on her infectious joy and beautiful smile. LaRita enjoyed time with her family and many special friends. She was a member of the Longmont homeschool community when her children were school aged and found joy in encouraging and mentoring other families who homeschooled. 

LaRita's favorite activities included going for walks, chatting, gardening, reading historical fiction, doing crossword puzzles, going to museums, doing jigsaw puzzles, playing board and card games, and going to garage sales and thrift stores in search of a bargain. As LaRita's health and eyesight deteriorated due to brain tumors, she continued to enjoy visits from friends and family and having them do crossword puzzles with her. She also enjoyed listening to many books through the Colorado Talking Books Library. She was thankful to get to experience her four grandchildren and especially loved reading with them and listening to read-aloud books with them. Her love of reading was passed down to her children and grandchildren. 

LaRita is preceded in death by her parents Vera and Harold Schafer. LaRita is survived by her husband Tim Johnson; sister Janelle (Rod) Shearer; her brother Merlyn (Patti) Schafer; her daughter Lydia (Justin) Kellam and grandchildren Jackson (5) and Ashley (2); her son Caleb (Veronica) Varela Johnson and 2 more grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:30am on June 21st at Grace Church in Longmont with a light reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation of money or time to Life Choices Pregnancy Center in Longmont or Denver Rescue Mission, both of which were meaningful organizations to LaRita.

"Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." - Psalm 23:6