Loretta Johnson

Loretta Josette Green Johnson, our beloved sweetheart, mom, grandma, sister, and friend, passed away on Saturday, June 1, 2019. She will be remembered for her laugh, her smile, her powerful spirit, and the legacy of love she created wherever she went.

Loretta was born October 23, 1951, to Charles and Estelle Parrish Green in Fayetteville, North Carolina. She traveled across the country and overseas with her military family before settling in Tacoma, Washington. There, she met her eternal companion and very best friend, Rulon Frank Johnson. They were sealed together on December 18, 1971, in the Oakland Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Not long after they were married, Rulon and Loretta traveled to Germany, where Rulon was stationed with the U.S. Army. They treated the adventure as an extended year-long honeymoon, creating many treasured memories and a powerful bond that was an example to many.

When Loretta and Rulon returned to the United States, they started a family and raised five wonderful children together. The Johnson family lived in many places: Kanab, Utah; St. George, Utah; Olympia, Washington; Woods Cross, Utah; Galt, California; and Blandon, Pennsylvania. In 1999, Rulon and Loretta moved to American Fork, Utah, where they have lived for nearly 20 years.

In each of the places she lived, Loretta made enduring friendships with those around her, winning people over with her humor, her warmth, her compassion, and her incredible smile. She was diligent in keeping in touch, no matter the distance. She loved each of her friends deeply and always kept them close to her heart.

Although people of all ages love Loretta, she has always had a special connection with children. She worked as a teacher’s aide for many years, supporting children with learning disabilities. She also served many times in the Primary of her local ward and taught teenagers as a seminary teacher. Children seemed to recognize her special spirit and were drawn to her, and Loretta always seemed to be able to soothe even the fussiest baby to sleep.

Loretta faced many health challenges in her life, and she showed a great determination to find solutions to the challenges she faced. She was an example of courage and great humor, even in the face of difficulty. And despite her health challenges, Loretta and her husband continued to make wonderful memories together, visiting national parks and camping in their trailer. Their relationship has served as an incredible illustration of love and compassion to all who know them.

Loretta is survived by her sweetheart, Rulon, and her five children, Heather (David) Anderson, Rebecca (Joshua) Skillings, Jennifer Johnson, Eric Johnson, and Brenda Johnson. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. In addition, she is survived by her sister, Diedre Frender, and brothers, Charles Green Jr., Donald Green, and William Green. She was preceded in death by her parents, who welcomed their daughter home with open arms.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 8, 2019, at 12 noon in the Hillcrest 6th Ward building located at 1120 N 150 W in American Fork. A viewing will take place prior to the services on Saturday from 9:45 am to 11:45 am. Interment will take place at American Fork Cemetery. Condolences may be shared at andersonmortuary.com.