Loretta Ann Johnson (maiden: Wilmeth) age 75 peacefully passed away Tues. March 19th at her home in Gilbert, AZ. Loretta’s family was with her as she passed through death info life everlasting. Loretta was born on Dec. 11, 1943 in Indianapolis, IN. Her parents were Tom and Alta Wilmeth of Wickenburg, AZ.
She was married to Dennis Johnson of Osakis, MN for 51 years. They were married in Seattle, WA on Dec. 28th 1967. Loretta was a stewardess for 9 years then moved to Arizona with Dennis and lived 17 years in Tempe, AZ and 31 years in Gilbert, AZ. The last 25 years she was a professional telemarketer for realtor Paul Pastore.then retired.
When Loretta was 5 years old she moved to Wickenburg with her parents where she fell in love with horses and rodeos. While in High School she twirled a baton as a majorette and loved singing and her love for Jesus. She was granted a singing scholarship at NAU where she went for 2 years before deciding she wanted to become a stewardess. She flew 3 years for PNA and 6 years for Western Airlines. 3 years into her career she met and married Dennis Johnson who was a High School football and wrestling coach. 6 weeks later they were married in Seattle, WA and within 2 years the love of the Sunshine State brought them to Arizona where she lived the rest of her life together with Dennis.
To their marriage they were blessed with 4 girls: Tanya 47, Tamee 45, Tabitha 43 and Tara 39. Later blessed with 9 grandchildren: Beau Herrera (deceased). Living: Sharllene Herrera, Beau Dennis Herrera, Sadrienne Herrera, Shyanne Blodgett, Bailley Herrera, Roblee Johnson, Thomas and Dennis Benner. 2 Great-grandchildren: Makia Corison and Yuriana Herrera. Loretta is preceded in death by her parents Tom and Alta Wilmeth and a brother John Wilmeth (Marsha) Paonia, CO. Survived by her brother Tom Wilmeth (Sherry) of Wickenburg, AZ.
Loretta loved music and had a beautiful solo voice. She loved flying and traveling. She, Dennis and their girls always traveled in their van for 2 weeks every summer. One summer they picked up Dennis’ mother, Alice, and drove 8000 miles so she could see Colonial USA, Niagara Falls, House on the Rock and many more places. A promise of Dennis to his mother. More than anything was Loretta’s gift of her outgoing personality to others and her witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. She loved to collect antiques, dolls, music boxes and most of all: movies! She especially loved the “Oldies”. She also loved to dance and loved to talk, smile and laugh.
Pallbearers are: Grandson’s and Grandson’s-in-law Beau Dennis, Bailley, Roblee, Thomas, Dennis, Brandon Grubbs, Alan Martinez, Zach Corison. Honorary pallbearers: Brother’s-in-law: Jesse Johnson, James Johnson, John Johnson, Dennis Johnson, Wendell Johnson, and Eugene Johnson.
A celebration of life service will follow the viewing at Mountain View Mortuary, Mesa, AZ on Tuesday afternoon March 26, 2019. Pastor Louis Spears will officiate the service. A viewing and burial service will be held Friday Morning March 29, 2019 at Salem Lutheran Church in Osakis, MN. Pastors Lindell Quam and Allan Bjorklund will officiate. Arrangements will be handled by Roy-Hetland Funeral Home, Osakis, MN.