On the evening of July 27th, Elsie Johnson passed peacefully at home with family by her side at the age of 93.
Elsie was born November 15th, 1931, the 4th child to Anton Galicic and Kathryn Mezick Galicic, in the small mining town of Kemmerer, WY. Mom had a difficult childhood, losing her mother at age 2. Her adult responsibilities at a young age made her a stronger, determined woman, overcoming her hard life. Mom was a little rebellious at times, taking Grandpa’s car on “joyrides”, making sure to get home in time to cook dinner and haul in coal. She often referred herself as Loretta Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter”.
After graduating from high school, mom was working retail, when entered a handsome red-headed stranger. He fell for the dark-haired beauty and on October 16th, 1948, Kenneth Dana and Elsie Galicic were married in Salt Lake City. Dad was on construction traveling where the work was and Mother was there, supporting his decisions, moving from town to town with sons Mead and Ray. Son Dennis was born in Whitefish before Dad started work on Canyon Ferry Dam and they soon called Helena home. There, Gary and Linda were born and completed the family ensemble.
During this time, Mom was a homemaker. She loved to cook, bake and can. Mom taught kindergarten and Den Mother to many scouts through the LDS church, where the family faithfully attended.
Elsie and Ken divorced but stayed steadfast friends, attending family weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions.
Elsie was employed at Buttrey Foods as a cashier where she worked for 30 years. She loved her job. Her co-workers to this day remain her dearest friends. Mother had an incredible work ethnic and a superior standard of cleanliness. Dogs belonged outside and everyone should own a Kirby. If not busy at the check stand, you could find Elsie with a bucket and 409, cleaning the counters and breakroom. Around this time, Elsie joined the Women of the Moose.
In 1977, Mom married Dean Johnson. Daughters Lori, Julie, Jeri and son Mike joined the family. Family, that is what Mother cared about.
Her yard, flowers, family. And company never leaving her home hungry. And the love for her family. Everyone should have someone in their lives that makes them feel so welcome.
Elsie was preceded in death by her mother, father, sister, brother, her husband Dean, son Ray and grandchild Christopher. Elsie is survived by her children Mead (Debbie), Dennis (Lisa), Gary, Linda (Bob), grandchildren Michelle, Mead, Erica, Amber, Cameron, Krista, Kyle, Kendra, Corey, 14 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held Friday August 1st at 3:00 at Fort Harrison cemetery with a celebration of life following immediately at the family home, 1931 Choteau.
You were an incredible lady and you will be dearly remembered. Slow down and relax were never in mom’s vocabulary. And yes mom, your vitals were always perfect.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
3:00 p.m.
Friday August 1, 2025
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the service
Friday August 1, 2025
Family Home
1931 Choteau St.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Judy Dana Stevens says
I have such fond memories of Aunt Elsie way back to my early childhood. I remember how she and Mom (Loretta Dana) would make clothes for their children. Elsie would cut out the patterns and pin the seams together. Mom did the actual sewing. I remember how they would go to a local farmer’s field and hand pick the vegetables and fruits and then bring them home to can for the winter surplus. And the chili sauce they would make…so delicious and the recipe has been passed down through the generations. I remember how clean Aunt Elsie’s home was at all times. For the last decade or so, I was only able to see her once a year when I traveled to Helena to visit family. I was always impressed with her memory and alertness. I was able to visit her one more time about 10 days before she passed.
She still seemed so alive and full of shared memories. I cherish that last visit.
Rhonda Strainer Robertson says
Dennis and family..
So sorry you’ve lost your sweet Mom. Fond memories of her as cashier at Buttreys, so many years ago! A very lovely tribute to a life well lived.
May all the wonderful memories you hold close within your heart sustain you during this difficult time and bring joy when you least expect it.
You have my sincerest sympathy 🙏😇
Rhonda Strainer Robertson
Jennifer says
Elsie was my Grandma Bev Andersons best friend. There probably causing a ruckus up above and living free with no pain
Sharon Baker Heigh says
Thoughts and prayers are with you!
Sharon Baker Heigh and Family
Vicki Carter says
Elsie and our sweet Mama (Vivian Carter) were dear friends for many years. I believe they first met while working at Buttrey’s and then, of course, Women of the Moose. Elsie and Dean were such great hosts of summer parties. I remember being at their home with my sister many summer nights — and the laughter was non-stop. Elsie, I hope you, Mom, Jean Livesay, Bev Anderson, Juanita, and the rest of the gang have reunited in heaven.