Verna Johnson

Verna Piirainen Johnson passed away peacefully on May 22, 2018 a few weeks before her 96th birthday in Evanston Wyoming.

Her life was filled with love, service and good humor. Her influences on her family and those who knew her will always be treasured.

Verna was born on June 25, 1922 in Almy Wyoming to Matti Oscar and Ida Salmela Piirainen. She was proud of her Finnish heritage and would be heard speaking Finn if she didn’t want you to know what she was saying.

Verna was the oldest of 4 children and is preceded in death by brothers John and Carl. Her younger brother Wally (Betty) survive her.

Verna married Merrill Moffat Johnson in 1946 and that classic love story lasted 65 years before Merrill passed away August 31, 2011.

Together they had 4 sons- Philip  (deceased ) his wife Marilyn, Paul ( Sylvia ), Steve ( Mary ) , Ed ( Bonnie ) and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and many others who were treated as family.

Special thanks to all the brief but loving care given by hospice and the doctors and nurses at Evanston Regional Hospital. Also the members of the Evanston 5th ward, many other extended family members and especially Uncle Wally and Aunt Betty for the countless hours of watching out for Mom.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday May 29, 2018 at 11:00 am at Crandall Funeral Home, Evanston Wyoming.

Friends and family may visit from 10:00-11:00 am that morning. Interment will be in Evanston City Cemetery.