Gladys Lillian Johnson

Gladys Lillian (Vigness) Johnson, 88, of Phoenix, Ore., passed away July 31, 2013.

She was born to Gina and Louie Vigness on July 29, 1925, in Nielsville, Minn. She grew up on a farm in Bottineau, N.D., with four sisters and two brothers. Gladys married the love of her life, LeRoy Johnson on Oct. 21, 1944, shortly before he served his country in World War II.

The couple lived in North Dakota and had two sons: Lyle and Vernon. They moved to Alaska in April 1953, unexpectedly staying for more than 30 years. After raising children, she worked at a dry cleaning business in Anchorage, where she enjoyed socializing with the ladies. During their early retirement years, Gladys loved travelling with LeRoy. They travelled the Alaska-Canada highway many times, eventually moving to southern Oregon.

Gladys enjoyed making Norwegian foods for her family, including lefse, potato cakes and lutefisk. She often baked homemade bread and cookies. She was very talented with handicrafts, including embroidery and crocheting. She loved writing a daily journal and taking long walks.

Gladys lived a graceful, patient and quiet life. She was a loving wife, mom and grandma. The family is very grateful that she was able to stay in her own home with the help of her caregivers, Karla Matheus and Wendy Rogers. She had many visitors during her last days, including Amanda Shearer, Lyle Johnson, Agnes Sund, Laura Shell, Lorie and Bill Rooker, Brandi Randall, Ralph Hite and her neighbor, Georgia.

Gladys is survived by her sister, Agnes Sund; sister, Bernice McArther; brother, Lloyd Vigness; brother, Emory Vigness; son, Lyle Johnson; son, Vernon Johnson; granddaughter, Amanda Shearer; grandson, LeRoy Johnson and his wife Sandi; and great-grandchildren, Novalie and Lyle Johnson, and Jonah and Elias “Eli” Shearer.

Grandma, you are forever in our hearts!