Martha Sue (“Mama Sue”) Johnson, passed away at home, surrounded by family, on April 28, 2023, after a courageous bout with cancer.
Sue was born on February 15, 1941, in Osborne, Kansas, to Theron Wright Hicks and Marjorie Glover Martin, the second of four girls. She grew up in Norton Kansas where she met Richard Johnson on the playground in grade school. The rest was history! They married after attending college at Kansas State University and moved to Denver Colorado to start their lives. Shelly, the first of three children was born and shortly after they relocated to Grand Junction Colorado where their second child, Julia was born. Then onward to Bozeman Montana where Sam was born. They raised their family in Bozeman for the next 20 years before moving to Boise Idaho in 1987.
Most important to Mama Sue was her family. She was a wonderful partner to her husband and a loving and devoted mother. She was kind and selfless, dedicating herself to helping her children raise their children. Hence the name “Mama Sue” was given to her by her grandson, Gabe as a baby ……and it stuck! Mama Sue’s legacy is one of unselfish love and will always be an example for all who knew her.
She cherished all the good times at home, at the homes of her children, holiday meals or on family trips together. Sue enjoyed walking, gardening, decorating, books, and lunch with her friends. Sue had a special talent and passion for gardening and could always be found working in her beautiful flower garden. Her style, touch, and taste for all things, inside and out, left an indelible mark that will truly be missed and a reminder of her wherever we look.
She leaves behind her Husband of 62 years, children; Shelly Johnson, Julia Goodnoe, and Sam Johnson, Sisters; Paula Strayer, Norton KS and Carla Kaup, Purcell, OK., Grandchildren; Taylor, Gabe, Sydney, Joie, Sandra, and Dane. Preceded in death by parents, and sister Jean Gregory.
Our family would like to thank the staff at St. Luke’s Mountain States Tumor Institute for eight years of care as well as St. Luke’s Hospice for making her comfortable and cared for.
Sue asked not to have a service, but instead a “toast” to her life. An open house celebration to honor her will be held at the Johnson home by her family in Boise, ID on June 10, 2023, from 12 to 4 pm. Light appetizers will be served.
We love and miss you Mama Sue