Obituary: Vivian A. Johnson
Author: Vivian Johnson Family
Vivian A. Johnson, age 87 of Helena
May 23, 1936 – August 4, 2023
Vivian Johnson Family
Vivian Ann Johnson passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at BeeHive Homes in Helena on August 4, 2023.
Vivian was born May 23, 1936, in Townsend, Montana to Allan Daniel Graveley and Anna Louise (Lockwood). Allan passed when Vivian was 15. Louise later married Al Zipperian, who played a significant role in Vivian’s life
The youngest of three siblings, Vivian grew up in the family home on Spruce Street in Townsend. She attended school in Townsend graduating from Broadwater County High School in 1954. She was a member of Rainbow Girls.
One of many recollections of Vivian’s youth was a summer spent at the family ranch in Canton, helping out the hay crew. The property at Canton was later covered by the waters of Canyon Ferry Lake.
Upon graduation from high school, Vivian moved to Helena to begin work for USF&G Insurance Company which prepared her well for her future career with the State Industrial Accident Board (later Workers Compensation) from 1970 to 1993.
Vivian married Raymond N. Johnson, a veteran of the Korean War, on April 9, 1955, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Townsend. The newlyweds moved to Toston where they remained for a year helping Ray’s family with their dairy farm, before moving to Helena in 1956. Their son, Kevin, was born in 1956. Todd arrived in 1959, completing their family. Weekends in the summer and fall were spent with friends and family at a shared cabin on Deep Creek where the boys and their cousins learned to fish. Vivian was tickled when plumbing was installed and when the big box TV that never worked was stolen.
In the mid-’70s, Vivian and Ray settled in the Birdseye area outside of Helena where they lived the country life complete with a new home overlooking the red barn, and pasture grazed by Ray’s prized cattle. Vivian and Ray were instrumental in introducing many newcomers to Montana country living; from sharing sugar cookies and homemade soups to plowing snow and helping with calving and branding. Through these associations, close friendships developed, including Gary and Elena Frederick and their daughter Christina; John and Deb Fosket; and Jim and Arlene Bouley.
Vivian thoroughly enjoyed her volunteer work including approximately 6 years with the Thrift Store at Fort Harrison and an 18-year involvement with the reading program at Broadwater Elementary which she enjoyed with her sister Peggy. Vivian was also involved in alter guild and the Episcopal Church Women at St. Peter’s Cathedral. She was Worthy Advisor for Rainbow Girls.
After living a very active and independent life, Vivian moved to BeeHive Homes of Helena in 2022. Thank you to the staff members of BeeHive and Saint Peters Hospice for their kindness and care.
Vivian is survived by sister Peggy Kude; son Kevin (Janis), son Todd (Angie) and granddaughters Amie Stedeford (Ryan) and Kara; and grandson Brett; sister-in-laws Norma Doig and Coralie Graveley; special cousins Trenna Scoffield and Deena Pech. She has numerous nephews and nieces. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband and her brother, John Graveley.
A private family gathering will be held at Fort Harrison where she will be interred with her husband, Ray.
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Photo Credits: Vivian Johnson Family
