Leota Murle (Gregg) Johnson
In the morning of January 6th, 2019, Leota passed peacefully in her home at the age of 78 from natural causes. Leota Murle Gregg arrived into this world on June 28, 1940 the first child of Robert Gast Gregg Jr. and Dorothy Maxine (Moore) Gregg in Savage, MT. She was named after her two grandmothers Cecelia Leota (Gear) Gregg and Nina Murle (Howard) Moore.
She spent most of her early years in Savage, MT with a short time in Bremerton, WA during the war where her father was working in the shipyards. She was joined in 1942 by her brother Bill and in 1951 by her sister Jolene. She was very close to her Grandparents, and many Aunts and Uncles from both the Moore and Gear parts of the family as she grew up in Savage. She was the first member of her family to join the congregational church in Savage beginning her life long journey of faith with our Lord Jesus Christ. She developed many lifelong friendships with her classmates which she cherished and enjoyed.
In 1958, she graduated from Savage High School and moved to Sidney to work. It was during this time that she met the love of her life Henry T. Johnson, spending time at the Triangle Nite Club dining and dancing through their courtship. On December 13, 1959 they were married at the Congregational church in Savage. Their early years were spent travelling around the MONDAK area following Henry and his construction jobs. They welcomed their first son Bryan into their lives on December 2, 1960 in Sidney. Followed by Kent on April 15th, 1962 in Miles City and daughter Cindy on March 12, 1964 in Sidney.
In 1967 they came to roost in Sidney, Montana when Bryan began school. Shortly after moving to Sidney Leota began working at the Richland County Treasurer’s office until one day Ole Grinolds came up and lured her to the Sheriff’s office where she worked as a deputy sheriff and other roles for the department until her retirement in 006.
She was an avid, accomplished cook and baker. She enjoyed cooking for family, friends and any stray folks that might happen to be by. Long remembered for her abundant and delicious feasts by all who her crossed her door. A competitive, accomplished card and game player she enjoyed a good game with her family and friends. Often coming out on top during many of these “games”. She loved playing Bingo, Bonco and was avidly playing pinochle. She enjoyed her trips to Deadwood, Mexico and Alaska after her retirement.
She gave her time to a large number of organizations and was often the first to volunteer, always helping other people. Everywhere she went she devoted time, prayer, determination and energy to the congregations she belonged. She is fondly remembered by her UCC congregations in Savage, Sidney and Miles City. Her many battles with cancer led her to become very involved in Relay for Life and other charitable activities and events. After Henry’s passing in 2009 she spent many days at the family cabin in Fort Peck, watching the boats go by and supporting the Local Theatre by attending many productions.
Leota was preceded in death by her husband Henry T. Johnson, parents Robert and Maxine Gregg, grandparents Ern & Murle Moore, brother Bill Gregg, sister in law Joann Cotter.
Leota is survived by her sons Bryan (Janet) Johnson -Arden Hills, MN, Kent (Patty) Johnson- St. Michael, MN, daughter Cindy (Dale) Berg – Miles City MT. Grandchildren Chase (Jennee) Berg- Billings MT, Cord (Destiny) Berg- Billings MT, Levi Johnson – Arden Hills MN, Noah Johnson – Arden Hills, Addie Johnson – St. Michael MN, Katie Johnson – St. Michael MN, Bridget Johnson – St. Michael MN. Sister Jolene (Gregg) Taylor, Brother in Law Cody Taylor, Sister in Law Linda Gregg and Brother in Law Ernie Cotter Jr. as well as many nephews and nieces. Great Granddaughter Addison and baby Faith Berg who we are waiting for her arrival. She also leaves behind her faithful grandpuppy Cassy.
Memorials may be made to Relay for Life, Fort Peck Theater or charity of one’s choice.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 11, 2019 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with family receiving friends from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at People’s Congregational Church in Sidney, MT. Interment will follow in the Riverview Cemetery in Savage.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday January 11, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 12, 2019
People's Congregational Church
405 10th Ave. SW
Sidney, Montana 59270
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday January 11, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 12, 2019
People's Congregational Church
405 10th Ave. SW
Sidney, Montana 59270
Share
Scott Johnson says
Kent, Bryan and Cindy:
Our Deepest Sympathy to you and your families! We have such fond memories of Leota. She was so caring and giving! She loved her family and always wanted the best for you. She had such a generous, big, warm heart. Scott is so saddened with your loss. We will always remember her delicious and abundant feasts! Love Always! Scott and Kay Johnson
MARTHA CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Hahn says
We are so very sorry to learn of Leota’s passing. Our sympathy to her family. Unfortunately we will be unable to attend any service due to Elwood’s back situation; he is not able to travel. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Elwood and Sharon Hahn
Ron and Marilyn Frize says
We were so sorry to hear of Leota’s passing. Our prayers are with her entire family.
Jan Marshall says
Dick and I are sorry for your loss, Leota was a special lady, and we enjoyed our time with her. Our sympathy to all her family. Sincerely, Jan & Dick.
Susan Sanderson says
Cindy & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. My prayers & thoughts are with you all at this sad time.
Loni Hartman says
Bryan, Kent, Cindy and Family:
We are so very sorry for the loss of Aunt Leota. She is going to be missed so much. She was such a loving and giving person. She was always there for me and my family. My heart is breaking for you all right now. I know it’s the feeling of the worst time in your life. Hold it in your hearts knowing she is pain free. She is with Uncle Tank, Grandma and Grandpa and her Grandparents and Her brother Bill. She is so happy and pain free. She will love you and watch over you all always. Buggs and Loni
Loni Hartman says
She is with Uncle Hank. Loni
Ken n Karen Strobel says
So sorry to hear this news. Thoughts and prayers to all of Leotas family.
Jana Mueller says
Cindy and family, I’m sorry for your loss. Leota was such a nice person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. ~Jana
Colleen Collins Eckman says
Bryan, Kent and Cindy,
I’m so sorry for you loss. Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your families. I have so many great memories of our visits in Sydney.
Sincerely,
Colleen & Jason Eckman
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Cindy, Jolene and Families, Sending prayers and sympathy in your loss.
Jim & Billie Jo Medin says
Bryan and extended families, we send our prayers to you during this difficult time of your Mom’s passing. May God’s comfort and peace be yours daily during this time. With love and prayer, Jim & Billie Jo Medin
Patty Blaquiere says
Leota was so fun and I enjoyed being around her so much. We are so sorry for your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Phil Cotter says
Bryan Kent Cindy. our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family’s God Bless. Phil and Deb Cotter
Lynn and Linda Powers says
Our sympathies to Leota’s family.
Pam Howard says
So sorry for your loss. Mom’s are such an important part of our lives and who we are. Glad to hear you were able to be there the few days before. Peace be with you.
Carol Schneidt says
Leota was a great woman! My thoughts and prayers are with all of her family. Enjoyed playing cards and bonco with her, as well as seeing her in church. She will be greatly missed!
Aaron & Brenda Kneeland says
Cindy & Family ~
We’re so sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Jimmy Miller says
I am a good friend of Bryan’s and felt like family whenever we got together with Leota and Henry. Leota especially was always gracious to open up her home and cabin to us. We lost an Angel, but Henry has his best friend in hand.
Kathy Barnes says
I really enjoyed getting to know Leota these last nine or so years she has lived here in Miles City. Thanks to her family for bringing her and Henry here. Since she arrived here I have had to pleasure of having breakfast with her on Wednesday mornings and coffee most Fridays. She was a good friend to my mother too. She would bake her muffins, moms favorite. Leota was a blessing and will truly be missed.
Kris Rasmussen says
Jolene & family
I’m so sorry for your loss, my thoughts & prayers are with you.
Delton Christman says
Leota was a great classmate at Savage. she was always pleasant and fun to be around. We had many enjoyable times at her parents house. Maxine always had chocolate chip cookies and her and Bob put up with us making noise and carrying on. At the proms, parties and graduation Leota always had good ideas to make things better. We all appreciated having her in out class. Sorry for the loss. we will miss her
Dennis & Karen Schmierer says
Jolene & family, Leota’s children & families! Our thoughts & prayers are with you in the loss of your sister, Mom, Grandma & friend to all.
Tony Ziegler says
Bryan, Kent and Cindy
Sorry for your loss.
Your mom was a very kind person.
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Zig
Virginia Herrick says
I was so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. She was always such a huge part of our church family in Sidney. I will miss her laughter coming from the bonco game nights,and her generosity to all of us.
Margot Wolff says
Cindy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and friends during this time of sorrow. I only knew Leota through buncos but she was so much fun to know and laugh with. Please accept my deepest sympathy at this time.
gary helm family says
our prayers go out to leota,s family sure did enjoy be around her. she will be sorely missed, the gary helm familys
Wally M. Parish says
I am a friend and coworker of Bryan’s. I am so sorry Bryan. You know Darlene and I will be praying for you and your family.
Michelle says
My heartfelt condolences to the Johnson family. May the God of all comfort strengthen and help your family during this difficult time. Those who pass on, God will keep in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. He never forgets. (Psalm 116:15)
With deepest sympathy,
Michelle
Eileen and Vern Entzel says
Prayers that all the good memories will help and comfort you in the days ahead. The family is in our thoughts and prayers
Rita Wemmer says
Our Prayers are with you. May God comfort you in your sorrow and bring all the happy memories to you when you are hurting. Prayers to all.
Steve Thiessen says
Bryan and family,
We grieve with you in the passing of your mom/grandma and the sorrow you feel. We also rejoice with you as you celebrate her faith and life in Christ, her loves and the sweet, sweet memories. ~Romans 5:1-5
Much love and prayers,
Steve and Dale Thiessen
Gail Krezelak says
So sorry for everyone in the loss of Leota. She was a nice lady and I enjoyed playing cards with her.
Danette & David Olguin says
Oh Cindy I am so sorry for your loss…I just returned to town and found this out. I will mss this ANGEL at Bingo. Prayers with you all.
Vaughna Frye says
So sorry to hear of Leota’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.