Zelma Johnson Johnson, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 11, 2023 at the Kane County Skilled Nursing Facility.
She was born November 2nd, 1926 to Joseph Smith and Agnes Ford Johnson. She grew up in Kanab, Utah with her 9 siblings. She was always helping her mother with house chores and tending younger children. She could go play with her friends as long as she took one of the babies with her. She always had a baby on her hip.
She graduated from Kanab High School, then she moved to Ogden and worked as a secretary for the government during the war.
When she moved back to Kanab she met and married Lowell Johnson from Glendale, Utah. They were married May 6, 1946 in the St. George Temple and then raised three children. After a few years of marriage, they built the Kanab Construction and Hardware Store. She worked alongside her husband, where they ran a successful business until they sold it in 1972.
They built a beautiful home on Main Street where they loved to work in their yard and garden. She then became the city and high school librarian and retired after 10 years. She served on the school board from 1994-1996. They also built a cabin under the pink cliffs north of Glendale and spent many peaceful hours enjoying the outdoor beauty.
Mother lived a life of service. She took care of Lowell’s mother, her mother and her husband in his later years. She showed her love to her family, who meant everything to her, with a life of service and dedication. She loved to crochet and made hundreds of hats for the homeless and many baby booties and hats for humanitarian service.
She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and had a strong testimony. She read each of the standard works each year, with the Book of Mormon twice a year. She served in many positions at church, including Relief Society President, Young Women counselor, visiting teacher and over 50 years as the organist. She played the piano and organ for numerous funerals, weddings, school and church programs and activities throughout her whole life. She also loved being a member of the Singing Mothers.
Zelma is survived by: her 3 children, Shirley (Brad) Whittaker, Gary (Jeanine), Marilyn Williams Chatterley, sisters (Laura Hafen and Mary Fleckner), 15 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, 10 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other loved ones. She was preceded in death by her parents, her eternal companion, 6 brothers and 1 sister, 2 sons-in law, 2 grandsons and one granddaughter.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the Beehive House, Zions Way Hospice, Kane County Skilled Nursing Facility, Mosdell Mortuary and to all those who have helped during this time.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 11:00am in the Kanab UT Stake Center. Viewing will be held Saturday morning from 9:30-10:45 at the Stake Center. Burial will be in the Kanab Cemetery.

You may watch the funeral services through the youtube link below.