Clara Marie Johnson passed away Thursday, May 12, at her home, surrounded by loved ones.
She was born the third of six children on Feb. 21, 1937, to James Henry and Leo Elizabeth Hopper in Russel Springs, Kansas.
At the age of 6, her family moved to western Colorado, where she graduated from Hotchkiss High School.
She married K.E. Higgins, with whom she had one son, George Allen Higgins (G.A.). They were quickly divorced.
She later married William C. Johnson on Feb. 25, 1956. They spent many years together living in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Wyoming. From their union three sons were born, James R., William W. and Randal L. — all of the Bridger Valley. They divorced in 1991.
She moved back to Colorado in 1992, and resided there for 10 years.
She worked as a meat wrapper for 10 years at Urie Crossroads and eight years at Callaway Meat Packing in Delta, Colorado. She then returned to Wyoming, where her family has lived since 1970.
Clara was a hardworking woman her whole life. As a child, she loved playing sports and could be found with the boys on the baseball field. She always had a beautiful vegetable garden.
She spent countless hours making each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren wonderful keepsakes. She loved her family and close friends and enjoyed any minute spent talking on the phone or visiting with them.
Survivors include her sons, J.R. (Patty), Billy (Gayle), Randy (Julie); seven grandchildren, Mark (Katie) Johnson, Benny Johnson, J.C. (Keziah) Johnson, Lacy (Daniel) Boyles and Chevelle Johnson — all of Bridger Valley — Lindsey (Jason) Kennedy of Evanston and Jamie Johnson of Austin, Texas; nine great-grandchildren, Boe and Lexus Johnson, Aiden, Kia and Mathew Boyles, Jaylin, Jersey Brooklyn and Navy Kennedy; brother: Merle (Anna) Hopper of Grand Junction. Colorado; sisters, Ellen (Mike) Schlabs of Cheyenne and Bessie Foglesong of Lakewood, California; sisters-in-law: Georgia Hopper of Hotchkiss, Colorado, Helen (Wendall) Edgeman of Florida and Donna Johnson of Colorado; brother-in-law, Lee Foglesong of Nevada; and many nieces and nephews, along with special friends, Josie Elcano and Fay Hoopes.
She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Leo Hopper; son, G.A. Higgins, having served in the Navy; her former husband, William Carl Johnson; a sister, Erma Welch, and her husband, Jacque; a brother, James (Jim) Hopper; mother- and father-in-law, Carl and Mary Johnson; brothers-in-law, Charles Wayne Johnson of New Mexico and J. Wallace Johnson of Colorado; and a number of nieces and nephews, along with special friends, Dick Sukow and Jessie Elcano.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Crandall Funeral Home.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 21, in the cultural hall at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 3815 North Hwy 414, Lyman.
Condolences may be made at www.crandallfh.com.
