Obituary of Vivian Eileen Johnson

Vivian Eileen Johnson “Vickie” went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on November 16, 2023. She is survived by her husband of over 62 years, Wayne Johnson, children Tammy Johnson, Michael (Jodi) Johnson and Traci (Brian) Coon, sisters Sandy (Bucky) Taggart, Joanne Smith, Cindy Vogel and brother, Kerry (Andrea) Sparks, grandchildren Eric Engum, Matthew Johnson, Christopher Johnson, Bryan (Mykal) Johnson, Caleb Vance, Hannah Vance and 8 great-grandchildren.

Vickie was born February 10, 1943 in Schenectady, NY. When she was two and a half, she came to Idaho on the train with her sister, Joanne, and grandparents, Ed and “Mimi” Hazel Bruggeman. She lived with them in Weiser until WWII ended and her parents returned to Idaho. Her parents divorced in 1952 and her mother married Calvin H. Sparks “Sparky”. They moved to his family farm in Nampa where she attended school, graduating from Nampa High School in 1960.

On March 3, 1961, Vickie was wed to Wayne M. Johnson in Nampa. They lived in Caldwell until 1962 when they moved to Wilder where Wayne and his father, Clarence, started Johnson Cattle Company. For 37 years, Vickie kept books for the business, raised kids, kept house and always had a hot meal on the table for Wayne, her family and whoever else might happen to show up at meal time. Vickie also found time to participate in sorority, babysit, pack for hunting and camping trips, be involved in her children and grandchildren’s activities and help friends. She worked as a bank teller in Wilder and Caldwell from 1985-2014. She was a valued employee and received numerous awards during her time at the bank.

Vickie and Wayne moved from Wilder to Caldwell in 1999. Her years spent at this residence included enjoying the addition of great-grandchildren, caring for aging parents, and freedom to pursue activities like golfing, camping and Sunday drives.

Vickie’s greatest joy was her family. She was the cornerstone, the pillar, and the matriarch of the family. There was never any wonder where holidays would be spent. Her home was always open and you were always welcomed with a cup of hot coffee and a baked treat. Everyone that met her knew that there was a place for them at her table and bed to sleep in if needed.

We were extremely blessed to have two bonus years with Vickie. In August 2021 she suffered a brain aneurysm with a small survival rate. She underwent multiple surgeries and spent several weeks in the hospital in Boise and went through extensive rehabilitation. Through sheer determination, she miraculously recovered completely and was able to return to her home and her family.

Vickie was preceded in death by her parents, James Carlson, Calvin and Phyllis Sparks, sister Jonna Rawls, son Steven Johnson, grandson Josh Engum and great-granddaughter, Xandra Johnson.

Memorial Services: Friday, November 24, 2023 at 11:00 am at Flahiff Funeral Chapel, Caldwell,

Idaho followed with burial service at Greenleaf Cemetery, Greenleaf, Idaho.

The family would like to extend an invitation for a reception afterwards at 20632 Tucker Road, Greenleaf, Idaho.