Barbara Johnson, of Bennion, Utah – wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, passed away in her sleep on March 22, 2023, at the age of 74.
Barbara was born to Ernest and Rosella Demke in Salt Lake City, Utah. She grew up in Salt Lake City. She graduated from South High School in 1966.
In her high school years, she met the love of her life, Marc Johnson. They dated through high school, and she patiently waited for him to serve a two-year LDS mission and another year of his service in the United States Army. They were married April 2. 1970 in the Salt Lake temple. Their two sons joined the family, Brett in 1972 and Eric in 1975. In 1980 Marc was transferred by UP&L to Castle Dale UT to work on engineering for the Utah Hunter power plant. Emery county quickly became the family favorite place to be. Life was full of Saturday afternoon fishing trips to Joes Valley, Millsite, Ferron, or Electric Lake. The family enjoyed hunting the vast Manti-Lasalle Mountain ranges and exploring the desert and San Rafael Swell. They moved back to Salt Lake in 1985 with the completion of Marc’s assignment to the area.
On June 6, 1986, Marc died on a Scouting activity on the San Rafael River in Emery County Utah. Marc and Barbara were known to be the most in love couple others had ever known. We want to thank all those who helped, gave direction, and comfort during that devastating time.
Barbara was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She had numerous talents and greatly loved serving with the youth. She used her talents to create and organize church plays, road shows, melodramas, and dances. She also created amazing decorations and back drops for these numerous youth, ward and family parties.
She carried these interests and talents into starting a business in wedding and party decorations. Barbara was also very crafty. She used those talents in church, home, and friend activities. One of these was Brazilian Embroidery, of which she wrote and published a book. Other interests included making pinecone baskets. Many days were spent dragging her boys around the valley climbing under and around pine trees, collecting the different types of pinecones for her crafts! She also had a love for painting and gold leafing beautiful works. Her full-time job was working for and retiring from the State of Utah Air Quality department.
On April 24, 1999, Barbara married Jim Rizzuto. They enjoyed long drives exploring Utah, going to movies, and fun Easter and Christmas traditions with all the kids. Jim passed away September 2, 2017.
Poor health in more recent years had limited her ability to travel and maintain her relationships as much as she desired but she never stopped loving anyone. Barbara's heart and soul were full of love, compassion, and giving. She will be dearly missed.
She was preceded in death by a brother John Demke, parents Ernest and Rosella Demke, husband Marc Johnson, second husband Jim Rizzuto, and brother-in-law Larry Hansen.
She is survived by her children Brett (Carrie) Johnson, Eric (Kristi) Johnson, 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Siblings Janet (Roy) Haws, Karen Hansen, Wayne (Debra) Demke, as well as a host of nieces, nephews and good friends.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday March 28, 2023, at 1:00 pm at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah.
A viewing will be held prior to the services from 11:30 am–12:45 pm.
Interment Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park 3401 South Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah.
A recording of the funeral services are available using the following link or by clicking on the "Watch Services" link above.
A lovely, caring, giving, lady. Barbara was so talented when it came to decorating. She was a great supervisor. I know that she is now without pain and with her loved ones.
Meus sentimentos a toda família, que Deus conforte o coração de vocês, e de muita força nesse momento tão difícil.
I'm sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a great lady and friend .
I worked with her at the State of Utah.
I enjoyed her kindness, and sweet spirit & example.
With Love, Carol
So sorry to here such a sweet nice neighbor, she will be missed