Rea Velean Johnson

On Leap Day 1932 in Pocatello, Idaho, Rose Velean Bowden delivered a very small package to her husband, Doyle. The first of their eight children, Rea Velean, was born prematurely. In those days it was very unlikely that a 3 pound 4 ounce baby would survive long enough to go home. When the time came for Velean to go home she insisted on taking Rea with her. The doctor recommended strongly that Rea stay in the hospital so the medical staff could take care of her. Her mother stated, "She will die if I leave her here." So Rea's first few months were spent in a shoe box nestled in a drawer of the family dresser. Born a fighter, Rea Velean Bowden Johnson died a fighter on July 21, 2013 in the home of her daughter, literally surrounded by her family.

Rea spent her first six years in Tyhee. Then the family moved to Nixon Road. In 1938 her father and his brother-in-law, George Nash, built a basement house on Poplar Street in Alameda. This was one of many such basement houses built by the hardworking people of those days. Many people today think they must have a 3000 or 4000 foot house with all the trimmings. What the people of the Great Depression knew was that they needed a loving home in which to raise and nurture their children. During the following years the Bowden kids spent their time, along with the Fuger's and Curzon's, running Alameda Park.

Rea attended school at Roosevelt, Franklin Jr. High, and Poky High. At 13 years of age Rea contracted Scarlet fever. The fever took most of Rea's hearing. As a result, she had to work doubly-hard to do well in school. While attending Poky High, Rea showed up one day wearing girls dress pants. The administrators immediately called her mother to school. When Velean got to the school she explained that since Rea's clothes were clean and pressed there was no problem. End of discussion! Sometime before her senior year Rea reports that someone stole her books. Not having the money to replace her books Rea dropped out of school.

In 1950 Rea married Owen Johnson. For most of the 26 years of their marriage Owen lived his own life. Rea choose to focus her love and effort on raising her kids to the very best of her ability. Though she was not always active in church, Rea always strove to live her life so that her little Grandma Ward would never be disappointed in her.

Rea completed the upholstery program at Idaho State University in 1971 and worked a short time in that business. Though she was extremely good at upholstery she found regular work in the Housing Maintenance Department at ISU. Rea's hearing loss was always a challenge, especially at work. Many people thought Rea was rudely ignoring them when they talked to her. Once they knew she needed to see their faces so she could read their lips they found a warm and caring person. Rea met many people, students and colleagues alike, who became life-long friends. She retired from ISU and enjoyed spending extra time with her family and friends.

Most of her nieces and nephews counted on Aunt Rea to be at their ball games, dance recitals, and school plays. Though the Johnson home was modest, at best, friends and family always felt welcome in her home. Rea's three kids, most of her nephews, and a few of her nieces felt the warming hand of discipline from this no-nonsense gal. But, we also received unfaltering love and encouragement from this special lady.

In 1976, while one of her kids served a mission, Rea received her temple endowments. Our family is grateful for the fine bishop who encouraged and strengthened Rea's faith. Among Rea's many good friends are Marba and Paul Thompson, who are friends from our heavenly home. (Thank you for making an eternal difference in Mom's life. Your influence continues to ripple through our family today.) Rea especially enjoyed working in the Ward library. While Rea's "knowledge" of the gospel and Church of Jesus Christ was, perhaps, fundamental by some people's standard, her faith was solid as a rock. Her testimony was shown by the life she lived, if not by word.

Rea was preceded in death by her parents, Velean and Doyle, and her little brother, Dale. She is survived by her three children, her sisters Alean Packer, Loral Wells, Nyla Mecham, Karen Barnes, Myrna Mecham, and her brother Duane Bowden

Our family expresses heartfelt appreciation to Erika Hall and Amanda Eskelson of Solace Hospice for the extra special care they gave to Rea. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my sisters, ye have done it unto me."

Funeral services for Rea will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 26, 2013 at the Pocatello 26th Ward LDS Chapel on the corner of Hawthorne and Eldridge. A viewing will be held tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at Wilks Funeral Home 211 W. Chubbuck Rd. and one hour prior to services on Friday at the church. Interment will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.wilksfuneralhome.com.