Esther Larsen Johnson1918-2012
My Grandma filled her life with beauty including the countless rose bushes in her back yard. I feel that the 21 bushes we have planted in our own yard can be a tribute to her. Especially the coral orange one we planted; a color that always makes me think of her!
She passed away on February 15th and I was honored to be able to go home to be with my parents at her funeral. It was a truly special time and and so glad I was able to go. It was important for me to be there for my parents as now my dad doesn't have either of his parents here. He and my aunts and uncles put together a very special tribute to her with the funeral and it truly was a celebration of her life.
An amazing thing happened. At the viewing, funeral and grave site, it was quite emotional. Everyone was allowed to mourn her loss. But then as soon as we returned to the chapel for the luncheon, the whole spirit changed and we all celebrated her and our memories and it was a time to catch up with relatives we haven't seen for many years!
Obituary - I felt that the family did an amazing summary of Grandma's life.
Esther Larsen Johnson
Our mother and grandmother, Esther Larsen Johnson peacefully slipped away to join her beloved husband, Earl Fisher Johnson and daughter, Patricia Ann who had preceded her in death. She died on February 15, 2012 of natural causes. Before passing on, she felt great comfort from her family close by her side; they all received greater faith in God by her strength. She was 93 years young and had lived alone in her home since her husband's death 23 years ago. Being the youngest and twelfth child of Almartin and Ellen Francis Comish Larsen, she will be greeted by a host of siblings and loved ones who have preceded her in death.
Esther, or Essie, as most people knew her, was born Sept. 20, 1918 in Preston, Idaho. Shortly after her mother’s death, Essie lived with her older sister, Loretta Monson.
At this time, this beautiful 17 year old Homecoming Queen met Earl. It wasn’t long before her handsome Prince convinced her to marry on Oct 25, 1937 in the Logan Temple. They lived in Twin Falls and Lewiston before settling in Boise for the past 70 years. To their marriage was born, five children, Richard Earl (Lawana) Johnson, Boise; Patricia Ann Johnson (deceased); Michael Clayne (Marilyn) Johnson, Florida; Debra Lynn (Kelsey) Royball, Star; and Scott Earl (Danna) Johnson, Boise. She had 18 grandchildren, Sheri, Shelly, Vicki, Jennie, Julie, Chad, Kelly, Jennifer, Rebecca, Brock, Guy, Jamie, Beau, Chris, Jacki, Mandi, Megan, Jason and 36 Great Grand Children.
As a stalwart daughter and local leader of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, she took great pride and wanted her children and grand children to know of their Pioneer heritage. She was especially proud to have been named after her grand mother Esther Comish, who also met her husband as a 17 year old teenager while crossing the plains with the Mormon Pioneers. And, that her Grandfather, John Comish helped build the Logan Temple where Essie and Earl were married decades later. Essie never learn to drive a car, but it didn’t stop her from serving as a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many callings as teacher, councilor, secretary and President of the Relief Society (twice) and as Primary President. Most mothers were naturally a little fearful of their children learning to drive. instead, she encouraged each to learn because they quickly became her chauffeur to help with her callings! Her children were also the few who rode in taxis and busses.
She will always be remembered for her beautiful yard filled with flowers of every kind which she shared with everyone. Many happy hours were spent in the small back yard with family and friends. Her love of the family carried over in every aspect of her life. Wonderful Sunday dinners of roast, potatoes and gravy, birthdays, treats, and holidays were always a treat in her home.
She made Christmas Eve a tradition that will never be forgotten with a beautifully decorated house full of family, dinner, snacks, treats and warm fire in the fireplace.Santa would always arrive with a bag full of gifts, just at the right moment as we burst into Christmas songs. It was always a magical night at Christmas for everyone.
The funeral service is planned for February 21, 2012 at the LDS Eagle Second Ward Chapel located at 700 West State, Eagle. Family and friends are welcome for a viewing 10-10:45 AM in the Relief Society Room prior to the Service at 11 AM, Tuesday, February 21, 2012. Interment will be held immediately at the Dry Creek Cemetery.
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