June Edwards Johnson

POLSON — June Edwards Johnson, 88, a lifelong Montana resident, died on Friday, Oct. 14, 2005, at her Flathead Lake home, with her husband at her side.

She was born on June 29, 1917, to Rosabelle and Lee Clark Edwards of Malta. She was the youngest of six daughters, and all her sisters preceded her in death. Her father was prominent businessman in Malta, and June was raised to be an interested and involved community citizen.

June had a happy childhood. She was a gifted musician, particularly on piano, and she enjoyed sharing her musical abilities. She was well educated, attending the University of Montana and the University of Washington.

She received a degree in music education, but her real talent was for teaching private music lessons. For 32 years, she taught piano, organ, and accordion lessons to music students of all ages.

As a musical entertainer herself, she was unsurpassed. Her ability to play "by ear" was a marvel to all who knew and heard her.

She married Charles O. "Brub" Johnson of Fairview in 1940. They lived in Fairview, where the family business, the Blue Rock Bottling Company, was located. Mr. Johnson later moved his business and his family to Sidney. During these years two sons were born, Charles Brent, and Richard Lee. The family moved to the Missoula/Flathead Lake area in 1966.

Charley (Brent) had a handicap and was unable to walk. It was a beautiful inspiration to see the way June, Brub, and Dick cared for him. June encouraged Charlie to sing and enjoy music, and to write poetry. Her loving care for Charlie was one of June's finest legacies. He died in 1995.

June was very sociable and had many friends. She enjoyed entertaining and had a flair for cooking which could make any meal special. Many people were blessed by her generous hospitality, and appreciated being welcomed into her home.

She is survived by Charles, her husband of 65 years, and her son Richard, who was his mother's faithful caregiver during her last years.

She is also survived by two nephews, John Olson of Sidney, and Michael Ankeny of Whidbey Island, Wash.; and three nieces, Miriam Patterson of Deer Park, Wash.; Barbara Ludwig of Kalispell, and Ruth Martinek of Coeur d' Alene.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service for family and friends will be held at a later date.

The family's address is 604 Melita Island Road, Polson, MT. 59860 for those wishing to send cards of condolence. Condolences may also be sent to

www.groganfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are by Grogan Funeral Home, Polson.