Kathryn "Kay" Johnson (nee Hergert)'s Obituary
Kathryn “Kay” Johnson, the sixth of 14 children, was born to John & Catherine Hergert in Cheyenne, Wyoming as a first-generation American citizen, on May 25, 1923. She died peacefully at her son Scott’s home, surrounded by family on November 11, 2019 at the age of 96.
She grew up in Western Washington and married Lester Martin Johnson in October of 1941, in Bellingham, WA. Throughout their marriage, they lived in Bellingham, Lynnwood, Ephrata and Burton (on Vashon Island). During World War II, while Lester was serving overseas, Kay worked at Todd Shipyards and raised their first child, Terry, in Tacoma. After raising her five children she went to work at K2 Corporation on Vashon Island until she retired in 1998.
Kay was an awesome cook, loved dancing and gardening and had an incredibly sharp mind. Even in the days just before her passing, Kay was solving crossword puzzles as the clues were read to her.
Kay’s dedication to her family, especially to her children, was always her top priority. Through her quiet strength, endurance and constancy, she affected the lives of all who knew her. Her legacy of love, gentleness, work ethic and kindness earned her the respect and devotion of her friends and family. She took on the role of Den Mother for her two youngest sons’ Scout Den when no one else would take it. She always had an open door and open heart to anyone who came into her life. She was the last to bed and the first to rise. People and animals were all welcomed in her home and all had something to eat and a place to sleep.
Kay’s healthy lifestyle, quiet demeanor, hard work, self-denial and unconditional love were all wonderful examples for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her smile, her laugh and her easy conversations will be missed by all who knew her.
Her husband, Lester, preceded her in 2007 after 67 years of marriage. She is survived by her children: Terry Johnson, Karen Young, Lester J. Johnson, Scott Johnson and Todd Johnson; her brothers: Jake Hergert, Bill Hergert, Hank Hergert and Phil Hergert; 11 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren. We pray that she has found the peace, that passes understanding, and the healing light of our Loving Lord in Heaven.
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