Linda Johnson

Linda Kathryn Johnson passed away on July 10, 2024, at the age of 76 after a long battle with dementia. Linda was born January 10, 1948, in Exeter, California to Garley Edward and Francis Jean Houghton Doty. She was the youngest of three daughters and often told stories of growing up in CA, attending summer camp and getting into mischief. Linda moved to Montana in 1965 where she met and married Darrell V. Johnson.

Darrell and Linda raised their daughters in Dillon and shared with them their love of the outdoors, spending many weekends camping, fishing, and hiking in southwest Montana. 

Linda was a true artist. She loved oil painting and sold many of her paintings to admirers about town. She was an amazing seamstress, sewing clothes, blankets, and later sewing in the upholstery business Darrell and Linda owned with daughter Teresa.

During her lifetime Linda worked at several local businesses including Dr. Okimoto's chiropractic clinic (the first in Dillon), Beaverhead Bar Supply, Paul's Motor Company, and the animal shelter.

Linda is preceded in death by her husband Darrell, her sister Marilyn Durrant, and both her parents. She is survived by daughters Teresa Guinnane (Greg) and Sharon Sawyer (Tracy), grandchildren Kaitlyn Ford (Tyler), Tessa Sawyer (Isaak Koslosky), Turner Sawyer and great grand-daughter Henley Ford. Linda is also survived by her sister, Myrna, and several nieces and nephews.

Because of Linda's long and difficult journey with dementia we didn't feel it appropriate to celebrate the life of our dad after his passing in late 2022. It seems fitting now they are both at peace to have a gathering for family and friends. More information will be shared through local media as details are planned.

The family would like to give special thanks to Amanda and her staff at Renaissance (southside), Honeybee Hospice, and Dr. Smith.