Velma Johnson

Velma Lauretta Johnson, 90, of Shelley, passed away March 9, 2018, at her home.

She was born January 29, 1928, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to George and Leona Johnson, Velma was the sixth child of nine in her loving family. She grew up in the Coltman and New Sweden areas of Idaho Falls and enjoyed her youth on the farm. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Velma moved to Shelley to live with and care for her mother as she neared the end of her life. She showed great compassion and patience with her mother and missed her so much after she died. Velma stayed in Shelley and made many good friends.

She worked as an x-ray technician at the INL from the early days of the Atomic Energy Commission until her retirement. Velma was able to travel with family and friends, and she appreciated beauty everywhere. She made her own home beautiful by maintaining her lovely yard and caring for beautiful flowers, including nurturing the rose bush that her mother had transplanted when she moved from the family farm.

Velma was always very active. She played on the first Idaho Falls women's fast pitch softball team in the 1940s and 1950s, and the friendships she made on that team lasted a lifetime. Later, she coached many young women who played on her teams. Velma also loved the 29 years she spent on the Kelly Canyon Ski Patrol. She taught many nieces and nephews how to ski.

Toward the end of her life, Velma was cared for by home health care professionals who she loved like family. The cared for her as they would have their own family. There is no adequate way to express our gratitude for the wonderful care that they provided to Velma.

She was preceded in death by her parents and six siblings. She is survived by two sisters, Wanda Landon and Leah Landon (Dan), and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family. Velma was a wonderful aunt who always encouraged her family to be kind and always forgive each other. She loved with her whole heart, and those who were fortunate to know her will always remember her.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 17, 2018, at Shelley LDS 12th Ward, 325 East Locust, with Bishop Calderwood officiating. The family will visit with friends Friday 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue, and Saturday 10:00-10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Funeral Services will be held