Jerri Johnson

(To be read with epic music in the background). November 18, 1942. The world would never be the same. "Jerri" Geraldine Ray came into the world. Grace, Idaho was the first place to behold her awesomeness. She was until the end of her life very proud to be a ‘Gracite'. Born to Norma and Gail Ray, she blazed the trail for the siblings that would follow. Bike riding, playing in the dirt, swimming at 23 were some of her favorite activities.

She graduated as a Grace Devil from Grace High and would go on to serve a mission in Toronto Canada. She came home to Idaho and graduated from ISU with a degree in education. This gave her the opportunity to meet everyone in Southeast Idaho as she taught them the nuances of English and Literature. She taught at Bonneville Elementary and would go on to teach at Franklin Junior High. There she taught students to survive in nature, appreciate literature, and use mostly correct grammar. Even today Franklin Middle School is graced by the Jerri Johnson Walkway. She was always proud of her students and their accomplishments. She made it her personal mission to rid the world of "at" at the end of a sentence and abolish the word irregardless. For nearly 28 years School District 25 was her professional home. She made many great lifelong friends. After her retirement from the school district she couldn't stay retired. She moved to ISU to work in the Continuing Education program helping her students to pass the GED.

At home she was the best mom anyone could ask for. As Jordan said "It is her fault we are missing her. If she was not such a good mom we would not miss her so much." She passed on lessons to us that she learned from her parents. Many summer mornings were spent weeding the garden (not well or happily), cleaning and helping around the house. She taught us to work, but also to have fun. We all still remember the hot day at Lagoon when mom started a water fight with all of Pioneer Village. Sunday mornings were filled with the sounds of Sunday at full blast, ‘Motab' must be enjoyed loud enough that the entire neighborhood could join in. She enjoyed many church callings and loved to serve any and all. Playing the organ at church she was adept at simultaneously playing and shooting a shutdown glance at our front row shenanigans. She always found the interesting side to life. After a trip to Europe she compiled her memories and titled them, "Peeing through Europe. A study in ancient toilets."

For much of her life she enjoyed good health until July 28, 2013 when a brain aneurysm tried taking Mom out. She was out working in the yard when it hit. While sitting at the hospital, waiting to be loaded onto Life Flight, she made sure to correct the neurosurgeon's grammar. She spent many weeks in the hospital but always kept her positive outlook on life. Her quick recovery was a great blessing to her and the rest of us. After that she was even more determined to spread happiness and joy wherever she went. She loved complimenting strangers.

We were blessed to have that time with her. She enjoyed spending time with and spoiling her 16 grandchildren and one great grandchild. She was so proud of them and they were the light of her life.

On April 7th she slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of heaven. She was surrounded by the love of all who know her. The world was a better place with her in it and it is a little emptier without her. As her family we want to thank her many friends that supported her through happiness and trials. We will be forever grateful to the North Stake and the 32nd/El Rancho wards for their support and love for almost 40 years.

Mom wanted so badly to see her amazing mother and father again. She is reunited with them now. We could not have asked for a better mother. She lived her life so that the fear of death never entered her heart. We love you so much Mom and are grateful that you are happy.

She was preceded in death by; Maxx (her dog and constant companion); her parents, Norma Irene Smith Ray and Gail Manwill Ray; her grandparents and many aunts and uncles.

She is survived by; her 5 children, Erin Ray Johnson, Brady Boyd and Amy Porter Johnson and children, Eden Ray Johnson Gossett and Colin Gossett and children, Gavrila (Guh vreeeee la) Ray Johnson and Brent Chase and son, and Jordan Boyd and Rebecca Watson Johnson and children, and her siblings Dennis and Sherri Ray, Doyle and Debra Ray, Eric Ray, Janet Ray and David Widdison, as well as aunts uncles and many good friends. Until Valhalla.

An open house will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 13th at Wilks Funeral Home 211 W. Chubbuck Road in Chubbuck. Services will be held at11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 14th at the Pocatello North Stake Center located at 4890 Whitaker Road in Pocatello. Condolences may be sent to the family online at wilksfuneralhome.com.

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