Susan Johnson

Susan Ornetta Johnson, 76, of Missoula, Montana, passed away peacefully at The Village Health and Rehabilitation Center surrounded by love and care.

Susan was born in Havre, Montana, to Cora and Nathan Vaness French, the youngest of eight siblings. She grew up in Malta, where she spent her childhood living and working on the family farm in the Wagner area. Susan attended Malta High School, where she developed the strong work ethic and kindness that defined her throughout her life.

After high school, Susan attended Western Montana College in Dillon, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Following graduation, she worked as a primary education teacher in a rural Montana school.

Shortly after, she left teaching and moved to Red Lodge, Montana, where she worked as a waitress. While in Red Lodge, Susan met the love of her life, Monte D. Johnson. They were married on March 3, 1977.

Susan and Monte later moved to Fairview, Montana, where they welcomed four children: Christy, Cliff, Coreen, and Collette. Tragically, on February 12, 1986, Monte passed away from a heart attack at their home in Fairview, leaving Susan a single mother of four young children.

In 1991, Susan moved to Missoula, where she continued to raise her children. Known affectionately as “Mama Bear,” she opened her home and heart to many others. Susan often took in friends of her children, providing them with a warm and safe place to stay—rarely turning anyone away who needed help.

When “Mama Bear” became a grandmother, the name “Grandma” didn’t quite fit her spirited personality. Instead, her grandchildren, children, and all who knew her lovingly called her Nannie. In her later years, Nannie continued to support and nurture young people by allowing several 4-H and FFA members to keep their livestock projects on her property. Her generosity and compassion left a lasting mark on countless lives.

Susan is survived by her children:

• Christy McLeod and husband Eddy McLeod of Reno, Nevada, and their children Caitlin McLeod, McKenzie Nicolaisen, William McLeod, Gabriel Nicolaisen, and grandchild Margeaux Nicolaisen
• Clifford Johnson and wife Tami Copenhaver of Missoula, and their children Katarina Boyd, KayLynne Boyd, Bryce Copenhaver, Chris Copenhaver, Brooklyn Johnson and Seth Johnson
• Coreen Johnson of Missoula and her daughter Ammarie Sowers
• Collette Johnson of Missoula

She is also survived by her brother Bill and Corkey French of Malta, Montana, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Susan was preceded in death by her beloved husband Monte Dean Johnson; her parents, Cora and Nathan French; and her siblings James, George,Frank, Thomas French, Rhoda Crowder, and Cleone (Tillie) Lake.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Missoula 4-H, your local 4-H organization, a nonprofit veterans group, or a favorite charity of your choice.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at The Village Health and Rehabilitation Center for their compassion and kindness in caring for Susan over the past two years.

Nannie will forever be remembered for her love of cribbage—and her uncanny ability to change the rules when you weren’t paying attention. Her humor, wit and fierce love for family and friends will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

There are no services at this time, A celebration of life will be planned this spring/summer in Malta and Fairview when she is laid to rest at the East Fairview Cemetery with her late husband, Monte Dean Johnson.