Linda Johnson, age 82, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at a skilled nursing facility, of natural causes.

Linda was born on July 17, 1943, in Miami, Arizona, to Lawrence and Genevieve Boyd. She grew up in Arizona with her sisters, Shirley and Phyllis, who preceded her in death.

Linda was a devoted single mother who raised her three daughters in Meridian, Idaho, doing the best she could with determination, grit, and love. She worked for the “phone company,” U.S. West, for more than 30 years, building a long and steady career while supporting her family. She retired at the age of 55. To many of her daughters’ friends, Linda was known as the “cool mom.”

She was first married to Everett Jones of Glendale, Arizona, and together they had two daughters, Cindy Maas (Jones) and Tiffany Springan (Jones). Later, Linda married Dale Fillis of Salt Lake City, Utah, and from that union she had a daughter, Kelly Paananen (Fillis).

While working at U.S. West, Linda met her life partner, George K. Dietrich of Boise, Idaho. They shared a devoted partnership for over 37 years. Though they never married, their bond was deep and enduring, and Linda played a substantial and loving role in the lives of George’s grandchildren. They referred to her as "Nana The Great"!

Linda loved cooking, reading, and indulging her sweet tooth — especially candy. She was famous among family for making what many considered the best Rice Krispy treats known to man. She loved music and could often be found singing along to Waylon Jennings, Neil Diamond, or Cher while driving her prized 1979 Chevy Stepside, usually with the truck radio turned up.

She absolutely adored her granddaughters, Natalie Steele (Maas) and Rachel Lindemann (Maas), and wished she could have seen them more often. Linda also became a great-grandmother and, while she did not get to meet her great-grandson Jack in person, she deeply enjoyed seeing his pictures and videos.

Linda was known for her quick wit, her stubborn streak, and her sharp sense of humor — which, after a six-pack of Bud Light, reached legendary levels.

Her three daughters will honor her life by scattering her ashes at her parents’ resting place in Arizona and at her life partner’s resting place at the Boise Veterans Cemetery.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to all who cared for Linda during this transition of life, with special gratitude to Shernette Forbes, lovingly known as “Jamaica,” for being a bright spot in Linda’s final days.

Linda will be remembered for her strength, humor, and the indelible mark she left on those who loved her.