Judith LaRay Johnson

Judith LaRay Robinson Johnson was born Aug. 30, 1939, in Murray, Utah, the oldest child of Samuel C. and Donna LaRay Watts Robinson. She passed away on Feb. 10, 2020, at her home, with her husband and daughter by her side.

Judy was raised in Salida, Colo. for a short time before moving to Pleasant Grove, Utah. She attended Pleasant Grove High School, graduating in 1957. She was active in drama and theater, skills that served her well later in life.

She met her “Tiger” on a blind date. Larid and Judy were married on Sept. 2, 1960, in Pleasant Grove. They were sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on Aug. 1, 1974. To this union, six children were born.

The couple settled in Lusk in 1966. Larid hunted coyotes and Judy ran the household. Judy came to love her Wyoming home even though her parents believed that she had been brought to the wild frontier. She, however, never embraced the long cold winters. She stood next to her husband and raised their children with patience, grace, love and a healthy dose of humor.

Judy held a strong testimony of the Gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She served her small branch through many callings and supported her husband in his leadership positions. Her faith was exemplified by her pure example.

Judy always said she wasn’t much of a “joiner,” probably because her time was consumed with her family. But she loved her bowling league, pinochle club and her wrestling family, and was proud of her years of service as a Niobrara County election judge.

Her later years were filled with overseeing her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She held her husband’s hand, cheered for her Broncos and exemplified quiet strength.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents and numerous aunts and uncles. She is survived by her husband of almost 60 years, six children, Layne (Brandon) Johnson, Lori (Bruce) Himes, Andy (Janice) Johnson, Shawn (Kara) Johnson, Mindi (Keith) Iantorno and Kari (Jeff) Williams; nine grandsons, Jared (Tanya), Stephen, Aaron (Marlee) and Taylor (Caitlin) Hespe, Zachary, Elijah and Lincoln Johnson, Jakob and Leo Williams; seven granddaughters, Allison (A.J.) Stewart, Whitney, Jaclyn, Delaney, Addison and McKinley Johnson and Zarah Iantorno; three great-grandsons, Ryker, Kellan and Dylan Hespe; and four great-granddaughters, Madison, Ellee, Kennedy and Hollyn Hespe; brother Sam (Lori) Robinson; sister Karen Lewis; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held May 25, 2020, in Lusk at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Pier Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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