Alana Rose Johnson, age 66, of Helena passed away on Tuesday, February 26, 2013.
Alana was born on January 30, 1947 to Virgil (Buster) and Helena Rose Sanderson in Anaconda, Montana. She graduated from Butte High school. Alana married Mark Johnson on June 25, 1966 and was the co-owner at Marks-A-Lot Auto and Car Sales. She was also a service representative at Mountain Bell in Butte, an executive secretary at Prudential Savings, co-owner and the first female auto sales person in Butte at the House of Hartops.
Alana loved the warm sunshine over the years in several homes at Canyon Ferry and Hauser Lakes. She was attached to her ever present puppy and the Montana wildlife, especially the geese and swans that call the Helena lake area their summer home. Alana also enjoyed traveling to New York, the east coast and to Europe. Her favorite city, Lugano Switzerland.
Alana spent some of the most rewarding years of her life as a hospice volunteer. The strength that she gained from these good works undoubtedly prepared her for the challenges she would, herself, encounter as her life progressed.
Alana was preceded in death by her mother and father; Virgil and Helen Sanderson; her daughter Tiffani Angela Pennington; and step father Dave Micheletti.
She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Mark Johnson; brothers V. Thomas Sanderson M.D. of New York City and Mark Byron Sanderson of Butte, MT; grandson Byron E. Pennington; step brothers, Drew (Cindy) and Greg (Lois) Micheletti; and numerous cousins, a niece and nephews.
Mass of the resurrection will be celebrated at noon on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church; 2100 Farragut Ave. Butte, MT. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery following the Mass. Memorials in Alana’s name are suggested to an organization of the donor’s choice.
Denise says
Alana will be missed I know because she had a beautiful soul. She was unselfish and kind to me and she always had a welcoming smile. I was lucky to have known her and I am sure she blessed many others with her wonderful and giving heart. Alana always remembered others and made them feel special. My thoughts go out to Mark and Byron at this sad time. I hope you will treasure Alana’s memory and keep her alive in your heart as I will do.
Tim and Linda Opie says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, Mark and Byron. Alana was a kind and caring lady, she will be missed. Wish we could be there for you, we will get in touch when we get home in a couple months.
Jack and LeeAnn Berry says
Alana was a kind soul with a gentle spirit. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Ryan and Karol Anne Davis says
Mark and Byron we are so sorry for your loss. Alana will be deeply missed. You and your family are in our prayers. God Bless!
John and Marcia Allen says
Mark and Byron our thoughts are with you. Alana had such a beautiful smile and kind heart.
BOB AND JOANNE EIDE says
I feel so fortunate to have met Alana, and all of her family. My thoughts are with all of you as you go go through this difficult time.
Gary and Terri Garrison says
she was a beautiful lady and our deepest sympathy to you and your grandson.
we love yall .
Dennis & Darlene Abeyta says
Alana will be missed. She was kind and always gave hugs and inspiration. My thoughts and prayers to you Mark and Byron.
Maury and Kathy Hamill says
Mark, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Wish we had to words to tell you how sad we are. Please know we care. Our hearts go out to you and Byron. She was a dear Lady.
Lorrie Willey says
To the whole family: Alanas smile will be missed. I loved her so much. The times we spent together at Estee Lauder and all of our girls at Dillards are some of the most precious of my life. We have all stayed friends no matter where we have ended up. On a special note to Mark. You are a strong brave man that was put through hell. Remember the amazing times. We all know how muched you loved her. We can only be so strong. You know she is in a much happier place. Smiling and helping to make somone elses day better. I will never forget our Rose. Love and hugs always.
Mike and Penney Clark says
Mark, we are so sorry to hear of Alana’s passing. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. We hope that memories of the good times will ease your pain.
Evy Burris Sass says
Dear Mark & Alana’s Loved Ones. May the peace which comes from the Memories of Love Shared comfort you now & in the days ahead. Although no words can really Help to ease the loss of Alana you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought & prayer. Alana is most certainly looking over All her loved ones. Peace be with you Alana. Your time on Earth was much to short. You’ll not be forgotten. You have many friends left here on Earth. Your Friends, Evy & Judy. We’ll meet You In Heaven.. God Bless & Keep You Alana.
Greg and Janelle Painter says
Mark,
We are so sorry for your loss. Alana was a great and classy lady. May God comfort you and Byron at this sad moment. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Steve & Barb Morris says
Mark & Bryan, we are so very sorry for your loss. Alana was just a lovely person! Our thoughts sure are with you at this time. We’ll see you at the lake soon.
Julie & Jim DeMars says
We are sending prayers to you, Mark & Byron. We are so sorry to hear of Alana’s passing. She was a beautiful person- keep the wonderful family memories close to your hearts.
Eddie and Joanne George says
We are going to miss you good buddy, We will be praying for you and your family like you always prayed for us. You findly won your battle and we’ll always love you Ed and Jo
Jack Beckman says
Alana was a long time ago classmate at Butte High School. She was always such a quiet, nice, gentle, fun person. I was looking forward to seeing her again in a couple years at our reunion. We will miss her and we send our best wishes and prayers to her family. At this time the highest complement is that she made a difference and will be greatly missed.
Don and Kara Bonahoom says
Mark , we are so sorry to hear of Alana’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Byron.
Gene Spranget says
Mark – Diane and I thinking about you and your family and our prayers are with you.
Penny & Albee Crum says
Mark and Byron, please know how much we both loved Alana. She was always there with a smile and a hug no matter what the day or time of year. We will miss her. Please know that if there is ever anything we can do it only takes is a phone call and we will be there to help. Keep the Faith and try to stay strong. Love and prayers to both of you. Pen & Albee
Linda Netschert says
Alana was a lovely lady. In our time at Hennessy’s I learned so much from her….I was her supervisor, but she was my teacher. She is smiling down on us from heaven.
Mark and Byron, you are in my prayers.
Nora Bomar Bazuin says
Sorry to read about Alana’s passing. I first met her at Our Lady of Lake Catholic Church and she was always kind and very friendly. I knew her daughter Tiffani too and I am sure Tiff was there to meet her when she arrived in heaven. God Bless.
Alana LaRock says
Alana was always one of my favorite people. Going through school together we were never in the same class until senior year. Having the same first name, which was not common, we had a lot of fun with that. Enjoyed many years of seeing each other at Canyon Ferry. She was a very compassionate person. She’s in God’s hands. My sympathies and prayers to Mark and family
Buddy and Marnette Phillips says
Mark, we were so sorry to read the of Alana’s passing. Sending love and light you way!
Lois and Greg Micheletti says
Alana inspired the goodness in humanity. She had love, empathy, and compassion for everyone she came into contact with. Many of those closest to her called her by her middle name, Rose. Like a rose she brought joy, peace, tranquility and appreciation to those lucky enough to have spent time with her. She is sadly missed. With Love, Greg & Lois
Susan Proul says
Mark & Byron, We are so very sad to hear about Alana’s passing. She was a wonderful woman and we enjoyed the many conversations we had at car shows and around town. May you find comfort knowing she is at peace and is once again reunited with her beloved Tiffani. Our prayers are with you both…. Rich & Susan Proul
John & Sherri Staats says
Mark,
We have not seen you in a number of years but we were deeply saddened by your beautiful wife’s passing. We know you will have many wonderful memories that you will reflect on. May our Lord and Savior and the Blessed Mother give you comfort in the days ahead. Byron, we know your grandmother really loved you. Keep those memories close to your heart.
Ralph and Lynn Guay says
Mark and Byron, we were sad to hear about Alana’s death and want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Alana was such a kind and loving person to all she met. She will be missed. Ralph and Lynn Guay
Anna Macbeth says
Mark and Byron,
I am so sorry to hear of Alana’s passing. I had the pleasure to get to know Alana years ago when she worked at Estee Lauder and I worked for Clinique. Alana was a warm, beautiful soul with a loving heart who will be remembered and missed always.
My love and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. May God comfort you during this difficult time and may the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”-Matthew 5:4
Anna Macbeth and family
JoAnn Lewis says
My heart just breaks for the loss of a dear and loving friend. Growing up across the street on Stewart street are my first memeories of our adventures together. Her mom and my mom were such dear friends. Alana was by my side at the passing of my mom where we reconnected and the loss of my brother. Mark and Byron I can only imagine the pain you are feeling at this time but I know you have such wonderful memories. I will always treasure my friendship with my special friend. Good Bye My Dear Friend you will always have a special place in my heart. JoAnn (Elich) Lewis
Brenda Harmon Schutz says
With deepest sympathy to Alana’s entire family. We have all lost a beautiful friend. Alana was just the same person now, as when we were in high school.
Byron, she loved you so much, always remember that. She is at peace now. God Bless your family, as you go through this very difficult time.
Brenda and Jerry Schutz
Beverly Nelson says
Beautiful Lady, You will be so missed. Your wonderful smile that will never be forgotten and the many prayers you have prayed for so many people. You were there so many times for me with comforting words of prayer and gifts. You were such a Blessing to me and many others. I know you are now a very special Angel watching over all of us. Mark and Byron you are in our prayers and thoughts. I love you my friend God Bless . Beverly and Mickey Nelson
Nicholas Engstrom says
Terribly sorry for your loss! god bless
Gary and Loretta Burnham says
Mark and Byron;
We’re so sorry to hear of Alana’s passing. She had such a sweet and gentle spirit. We will all miss her. Know that our prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God bless and keep you, Loretta and Gary Burnham
Dan and Bree James says
“Aunt” Alana, we will miss so. Thank you for all the good memories you have given to us over the years. “Uncle” Mark and Byron, our prayers and thoughts are with you both.
Many prayers and blessings your way
Dan,Bree,Piper and Jayvyn
Sharon and Jerry James says
Mark and Byron:
Alana always welcomed our family into your home with open arms and a beautiful smile. No matter if our visit was once a year or several times during the year Alana made us feel welcomed and confortable. The both of you have given us many laughs and good memories and we’ll forever cherish them!
Please know that you and Byron are in our thoughts and prayers.
Joe Vuk says
Mark,Byron,Tom and Mark,,I was very SAD to hear of the loss of Alana she was a great person and Fun to be around I will miss HER !!! God Bless May she rest in peace…..
Mark J Morris says
So sorry to learn of Alana’s passing. She was the big sister in the neighborhood and our favorite sitter. Prayers for the family and for the peace of joyous memories, warm thoughts and the comfort of knowing that she is always with you.
Don Plessas says
Mark Johnson,
I remember our high school and School of Mines years. You found the love of your life – Alana. What a great team you made. I am so sorry for your loss, old friend.
Mark Sanderson, I am so sorry for the loss of your sister.
Alana was a blessed to have two wonderful people named Mark in her life.
Mike O'Connell says
Mark,Byron and Sandersons,,,So sad to read of Alana’s passing . Remembering the good times at Canyon Ferry and Alana’s kind and beautiful smile. I am away and not able to be at her service, but my thoughts are with all of you.
Tito says
I am saddened for the loss of Alana. All my prayers for the family. I would be there but I’m out of state, my thoughts will be with you always. Love you!
Ron and Darlene Triner says
Mark and Family……. We were so sorry to read of Alana’s passing. I worked with her while she was at Prudential Federal Savings. She was good person. May your memories bring you comfort at this time. May God bring you comfort at this trying time.
Anita & Mike Varone says
Mark and Byron; We are so very sorry to hear about Alana. We have been in Arizona since November and out of touch with our Helena friends. Mark, you and Alana were one of the first couples to extend your friendship to us and we have never forgotten your kindness to us through the years. Alana extended her heart and exceptional understanding to all she knew and she will be greatly missed. Please know all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Anita and Mike
Shirley and Jerry McCauley says
Mark and family; We are so sorry to hear about your loss of Alana. She was such a kind lady with a big heart and always greeted people with a smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time .
Bill Nettles says
Mark & Tom,
Alana and I were born in the same Month & Year. She was like the Sister I never had. We grew up together and walked to St. Anne’s grade school together on those cold winter days. Alana was always there when our family suffered a loss. She will be missed. Your wonderful Mother Helen and my Mom will greet her with open arms.