Karen Johnson

Our little angel, Karen Sue, passed into the eternities on December 16, 2015, into the loving arms of her earthly father and her Heavenly Father.
Karen Sue Johnson was born November 14, 1958, to Ernest H. Johnson and Ruth L. Johnson. She was 57. She was a very loving child, a peacekeeper in the family. Her life was filled with simple pleasures. She loved to attend school, starting with the Rotary Training School, Garfield School and then Columbus Activity Center. She loved her friends everywhere and was always enthusiastic about going to school. She loved her friends at church where she was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She attended seminary and enjoyed activities there. She attended the activities at Camp Kostopulos and had so much fun that she was always reluctant to leave. She had to be bribed with eating out or a Pepsi in order to get on the bus to return home.
She lived with her mother, Ruth, who cared for her from birth until July 2014, a total of 56 years. Mother reluctantly gave up this responsibility to her three daughters.
Karen loved to eat out, dance, swim in the summertime, view movies and old TV series, and act silly. The Disney movies were her favorites. Some of her favorite old TV series were: “Hogan’s Heroes” where she would always imitate SGT Schultz by standing at attention and saluting; “Gilligan’s Island,” “Tom and Jerry,” and “The Addams Family.”
We would always say that Karen had 2 speeds – slow and stop – except when we were going to eat out or when she would go to school or Camp K. Although she had several physical challenges she was always a happy child. Her little giggle was very infectious whenever she found something humorous. She lived the motto of unconditional love and gave that to everyone she met.
The family would like to thank the staff of Columbus Activities Center that provided such wonderful activities for her enjoyment. Among those we like to recognize are Elly Murphy, her kind, sensitive counselor for many years at Columbus. The staff at Columbus are special, compassionate people and we really appreciate them. Special thanks to Tim Waters, Support Coordinator, who counseled with the family throughout her life with suggestions and special kindness. Tim states that he really was her friend. The family would also like to thank Camp K and the workers/volunteers for all the parties and dances she attended. She never wanted the party to end. A special thanks to Dr. Laurene Joseph and staff at the St. Marks Senior Center. Dr. Joseph was always so tender and sweet with Karen as was the staff. We would also like to thank Dean A. Collect and Edward Hansen who were her home teachers for many years. They were so kind and caring to her. We would also like to thank the staff at Sandy Health and Rehabilitation Center where Karen resided for almost three months. She made some lasting friendships with staff and residents there. We would like to thank Alta View hospital and the staff there who supported Karen the last two days of her life. They were so sensitive, attentive and careful to make sure her needs were met.
She is survived by her mother, Mrs. Ernest H. (Ruth) Johnson, and her three sisters: Judith Ann, Marilyn Ruth, and Mrs. Jay B. (Deanna) Nielson. She was preceded in death by her father, Ernest.
Funeral services will be held on December 26, 2015, at the LDS chapel located at 9636 South 1700 East, at 12 noon. Viewing will be prior to services from 10:30 – 11:45. Interment will be at Redwood Memorial Estates, 6500 South Redwood Road, Salt Lake City, UT 84123.
A piece of our hearts have gone with you, Pookie. You are missed and know we will see you again.