Helen Johnson

Helen Elaine Johnson, 84, of Pocatello, Idaho, died peacefully Thursday, August 22, 2024.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents Margaret and Harry Ross and her grandson Jeremiah Johnson. 

She is survived by her brother Clarke Ross (Beth Ross), her nephew Andrew Ross, and her children Paul, David (Andrea), Cindy, and Ben. She is also survived by 7 of her 8 grandchildren Camille Hogue, Christine Miles (Luke), Dawn Prickett (Grant), Katherine Burczek (Deon), Carolin Hogue, Aaron Johnson (Nancy), and Isaac Johnson (Daniel Lazzara); 20 great grandchildren Makayla, Jesse, Mayra, Stephanie, Samantha, Evan, Liam, Alexander, Shaylin, Brendan, Hyrum, Quintin, Dillon, Dawson, Duncan, Alyzia, Jacob, Faith, Wyatt and Lana; and 1 great-great-grandchild Leilani. 

Helen’s life exemplified her fierce devotion to her family, her love of the outdoors, and her dedication to the service of everyone around her. Her stalwart example of hard-working independence stands as a legacy for everyone who knew her.

Helen was born April 29, 1940 in Warrenton, Virginia to Margeret and Harry Ross. She graduated from High School in Rockville Maryland in 1958 where she served as a catcher for her softball team. She went on to further her education at the University of Maryland School of Medicine where she received her registered nursing degree in 1962. 

Helen always dreamed of living on a horse ranch, so shortly after completing her schooling, she moved “out west” to Colorado to pursue her new career in nursing and live a life filled with horses. There she met Neal Johnson and they were married on October 18, 1968. To the marriage, Neal brought 4 children - Paul, David, Cindy, and Ben. They later divorced in 1978, but these 4 children would forever be Helen’s children and called her Mom for the rest of her life. 

Her family was her legacy. She was an intimate part of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren’s everyday lives. Over the years, many family members found a safe harbor living with her again for a season. Every friend she met, church member she served, and patient she cared for quickly became an extension of that family. She made it her mission to always stay in touch no matter life’s circumstances and her home was filled with photo shrines of everyone she loved.

Helen had a lifelong love of history in all its forms, reading many books and taking trips to visit Civil War battlefields and dinosaur dig sites in this pursuit. She loved puzzles to keep her mind sharp, crossword puzzles, sudoku, and carefully glued jigsaw puzzles filled her home. 

She was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served faithfully throughout her life and took her responsibilities to love and minister as a visiting teacher very seriously. No sister was ever an assignment to Helen. They became a true and beloved friend whom she served with exactness and love. 

Helen lived most of her life as a fiercely independent single woman. She earned her living in the nursing field for 50 years and it was her great passion to care for the most vulnerable pediatric patients in their homes where she quickly became an integral part of each patient’s family. 

Despite working overnights and receiving very little sleep, her days were filled with as many productive outdoor activities as she could pursue. Whether it was mowing the brush, filling water troughs, mucking horse stalls, or raking leaves in her later years, Helen was never happy cooped up inside. But above all, Helen loved horses! She spent countless hours holding gates at horse shows, loading and unloading horses from trailers, and trotting down the road beside a grandchild on a trail ride. She was blessed with many equine companions throughout her life, but her dear Brandy always held a special place in her heart. 

Helen leaves behind a true example of hard work, devotion, and service. She was loved beyond measure and will be greatly missed. 

A viewing will be held on Thursday, August 29, 2024 from 5-7 pm at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 E. Chubbuck Rd. Chubbuck, Idaho 83202. A funeral service will be held in her honor on Friday, August 30, 2024 at 2 pm at the LDS church, 2140 Satterfield Dr. Pocatello, Idaho, with a viewing for one hour prior.

Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, 1520 S. 5th Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho 83204.

Flower gifts are appreciated - or - In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to any of the following charities in Helen's name.

The Wild Life Sanctuary

https://www.wildanimalsanctuary.org/make-a-donation

Ronald McDonald House

https://rmhc.org/donate

Memories and condolences may be shared using the guest book below.