Marilyn Kay Thomas Johnson, 81, of Mitchell, passed away on September 16, 2023, at 3:23 P.M. in Johnstown, Colorado. Cremation has been chosen. A Celebration of her life will be held 10:00 A.M. Saturday, September 23 at Holy Apostles Episcopal Church in Mitchell, with Pastor Ed Hunzeker
officiating. A reception will follow services at the Sandford Hall at the Mitchell Fairgrounds. The family respectfully respects that in lieu of flowers, memorials in Marilyn’s honor be made in care of Holy Apostle’s Church or the Panhandle Humane Society in Scottsbluff. Online Condolences may be made at www.jones-mortuary.com.
Marily Kay Thomas Johnson was born August 14, 1942, in Scottsbluff, NE to Claude and Helen (Apperson) Thomas. She grew up and went to school in Mitchell Valley and graduated from Mitchell High School in 1960. She graduated from Chadron State College in 1964 with a degree in education.
Marilyn married Stevan V. Johnson in Laramie, WY on August 25, 1962. They were blessed with three children: Cody, Shani, and Chad.
Marilyn was a kind, caring, loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her greatest joy was following her children and grandchildren as they participated in various school activities. Her happiest times were when she was supporting the youth in the concession stand at the school, selling tickets to a school function or helping at a school activity. She was very interested in the welfare of any child that may be lucky enough to come into her care. She loved animals with nearly the same passion, especially those that needed a home or dinner.
She was a member of Holy Apostle’s Episcopal Church, where she served in various capacities. She had a strong faith and loved her church. She was a member of Rho Chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority at the University of Wyoming, PEO Chapter EU, Past Worthy Matron of Sunflower Chapter of Eastern Star, and served as secretary of Mitchell Board of Education for several years. She was a proud American and had little patience with those who disgraced our country or its flag and principles. She stayed busy with several hobbies including traveling, gardening, decorating, painting, and quilting. Marilyn enjoyed camping with friends and picnics at the lake with family. When she left this world, it was with a grateful heart for a long life well lived.
She was preceded in death by her parents; parents in law; aunts and uncles; several cousins, as well as many special friends.
Marilyn is survived by her husband Steve; sons Cody (Sheri) Johnson of Laramie, WY, Chad (Carlye) Johnson of Mitchell, and daughter Shani (Russell) Stapleton of Windsor, CO; seven grandchildren Thomas (Augie) and Avery Bragg, of Sheridan, WY, Avery Bragg of Madison, WI, Sydney Stapleton of Denver, CO, McCade and Emmy Johnson of Laramie, WY, and Quincey and Sullivan Johnson of Mitchell; sister in law Sharon Francisco; two nieces, as well as numerous cousins and friends. Her best little furry friends and constant companions, Sophie, Smokey, and Amos will miss her terribly.