Mary Lou Johnson

Mary Lou Johnson, age 66, of Fruitland NM, passed from this mortal life, on Saturday October 11, 2014, at the Mercy Medical center in Durango CO. Mary Lou was the daughter of James Clayton Majors, and Maude L. Smith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Glen E. Smith, and Timothy H. Smith, her Stepfather Ellis R. "Smitty" Smith, and her devoted husband Charles Johnson Sr.
Mary Lou is survived by her three children, Chuck Johnson, of Fruita CO, Katherine L. Johnson, of Farmington, NM, and William C. Johnson of Kirtland, NM; Her eight grandchildren, Tristen A. Cockrell, Chelsea B. Price, Brennan C. Johnson, Alexis H. Johnson, Joshua C. Johnson, Jacob D. Johnson, Joseph D. Johnson, and Chase W. Johnson, she also has four great grandchildren. In addition she will be deeply missed by her partner of seven plus yrs. Larry "Doc" Waldroup.
Mary Lou was born in Hannibal MO, Dec 13, 1947. As a teenager her family moved to the small mining community of Butte, MT., where she met and fell in love with her husband of 30+ years, Chuck Johnson. The young couple began raising their family as they moved around the country following the construction of various Power Plants, and Chuck's chosen profession of "Boilermaker".
Ultimately, their travels brought them to the Southwest and in particular the Four Corners region. It was there, between time in Show Low AZ and Farmington, NM that they raised their children. Although there were many travels and adventures, the Farmington area, in particular the small village of "Kirtland", was always Home.
As Mary Lou's Family grew, and her children closed in on their high school graduation, her long time goal of receiving a GED, became a passion. Mary Lou vowed that she would have this prior to her oldest graduating from High School, so that she could feel as though she had set the proper example. Though she was working full time, often several jobs at the same time, to help support the family, she focused on her studies and was proud to receive her GED just prior to her Oldest son's graduation from Kirtland Central High School.
Mary Lou was a devoted Wife, Mother and friend. She was passionate about everything she believed in. If you were her family or friend, her warmth and loving kindness would always be with you. If you were in trouble or in need of help, she would fiercely defend you from any opposition. If you were the opposition, you would quickly become acquainted with that fiery "redhead" personality and come to understand just how deeply she felt about the ones that she loved and protected.
She loved adventure and travel. She spent a life time helping her children and grandchildren build wonderful memories of exciting places that they could treasure forever. Mom's warm smile and twinkling eyes will be missed, but will always be in our hearts and minds.
A small viewing will be held for family and close friends on Saturday from 9:30-10:00 am in the Relief Society room, of the LDS building, at 473 road 6100, Kirtland NM. The services will be held in the chapel at that location at 10:00 am following the viewing.
Following the services, Mom will be laid to rest at the Kirtland cemetery, next to her late husband. Following the grave side services, there will be a luncheon provided at the LDS building at 473 road 6100, in the cultural hall.
Mary Lou is in the care of Cope Memorial Kirtland Chapel, Kirtland, NM.