Norma Jeane Johnston (Page)

October 24, 1934 — February 26, 2024

Norma Jeane Johnston (Page), 89, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. passed away peacefully on February 26, 2024, in Clearfield, Utah. She was born on October 24, 1934, to Ralph Colbert and Vera Jane (Nielsen) Page, in Salt Lake City, UT.

She was raised in West Bountiful and Bountiful along with her 2 sisters and 2 brothers. She graduated from Davis High School. She demonstrated her lifelong commitment to education by attending Weber state college, where she graduated summa cum laude in 1972 with a BA in education. In 1974, she obtained her master’s degree, summa cum laude, in Family and Human Development from Utah State University. To further her education, she remained an avid reader throughout her life.

She married her husband of 68 years on November 28, 1953. They started their family with 2 sons, Linden Craig, and Thomas Clark Johnston while living in Ogden, Utah. They added a daughter, Sherilyn, and another son Richard Carl Johnston to their family after moving to Perry, Utah in 1959 where they lived until the last few years of their lives.

Maintaining close family relationships was an important part of the legacy she created with her late husband Dale. Together they hosted the annual “cousin camp” where the grandkids joined grandma and grandpa at the family cabin forging lifelong bonds while making birdhouses and s’mores. She was known for her excellent cooking, often hosting large family dinners to celebrate holidays, achievements, and when out-of-town family members came to visit.

Throughout her life, Norma was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She answered many calls to serve in her ward and stake, including teaching Sunday school, and serving in the relief society and young women’s presidencies. In 1998, she and Dale served a church mission in Boston Massachusetts.

She also served her community when she opened and managed a Family Lending Library where parents could find helpful information about raising children. She often prepared. And organized meal deliveries for neighbors in need. She was a longstanding member and leader in the local chapter of Daughters of Utah Pioneers and worked on genealogy throughout her life.

Norma enjoyed many hobbies. She was a talented doll maker and quilter. She made individual porcelain dolls in the image of each of her children and grandchildren with specific props and handmade clothing reflecting the activities and talents of each person. She also made beautiful quilts for family members until her arthritic hands could no longer hold a needle in her later years.

She loved music and loved to perform. As a child, her Grandma Nielsen taught her and her siblings how to play piano, but singing was her true love. In high school, she and 2 friends started a singing trio. They performed at many events in high school, and before long they had sponsored performances at community events, state fairs and even on television and radio. She further shared her talent by serving as the church chorister and singing with family, and in the church choir throughout her life.

She is survived by her children Lindy (Cindy), Tom (Mary Jo), Sherilyn J. Cook, and 15 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by sister, Carolyn, brothers Arnold and Sheldon, her parents, her husband, Dale Thomas Johnston, and her son, Richard Carl Johnston.

The viewing will be on Saturday, March 2, 2024, from 9:30 to 10:30 with funeral services at 11:00 at the Perry 1st Ward, 3 Mile Creek Building, 1290 W 2950 S Perry, Utah. Myers Mortuary, located at 205 S 100 E Brigham City, Utah 84302, is assisting with the arrangements.

Special thanks to all the staff at Chancellor Gardens for their constant, compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in memory of Norma to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at (866) 232-8484.