LaVay Virginia Johnson passed away peacefully on April 18th, 2024 in Helena, Montana.
LaVay was born on February 24, 1937 in Henning, Minnesota to Melvin and Amy (Anderson) Johnson. LaVay spent her early years in Minnesota until the Johnson family moved out west (in 1950) and settled in East Helena. LaVay attended high school in Helena, Montana and graduated from Helena High School in 1955.
After graduation, LaVay married Boyd Bomar and spent the next few years raising their three sons – John, Jeff and Brett. After divorcing Boyd in 1966, LaVay met the love of her life and was married to Ed Johnson later that same year. A short while later, the addition of another son (Paul) made the Johnson family complete.
LaVay entered the workforce in the early 1970’s as a secretary for several state agencies. In 1975, she began working for the United States Postal Service – again as a secretary. Through hard work and perseverance, LaVay became the first female Postal supervisor in the Helena Office (in 1981). As she noted at the time, there were only 5 female employees – out of a total of 110 workers – so it was quite an accomplishment. Throughout her career, LaVay was an advocate for women in the workforce – claiming that she was happy to be a “thorn in the side” of the male establishment at times.
In 1983, she was promoted to the position of Postmaster in the town of East Helena. At the time, she viewed the promotion as a validation of her work efforts – which it was. As the years went by, she developed a strong sense of pride about the opportunity to serve her hometown in a meaningful way – which she did until she retired from the Post Office (in 1991) due to a medical disability.
Once retired, LaVay was free to pursue her greatest passions – which mainly centered around kids and grandkids. Ed and LaVay were fixtures at birthdays, athletic events, school functions … everything. When she had time to herself, LaVay was an avid reader – with her favorite read being the daily newspaper.
In her younger years, LaVay spent a lot of time in the outdoors – hunting, camping and fishing. Often times, she claimed to out-fish or out-hunt “Ed and the boys” – although to date – that has never been substantiated by any of us (at least publicly). In her day, LaVay was an excellent softball player and excelled at bowling. In her later years, she enjoyed working around the house and gardening. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary (Post 10010) from 1958 until her passing.
LaVay is survived by a sister – Sheila (Rodger) Nordahl, a brother – Ron Johnson, a stepsister – Rhonda Pursley, two stepbrothers – Randy (Jane) Pursley and Ron (Nannette) Pursley, four sons – Paul (Tammy) Johnson, John Bomar, Jeff (Marilyn) Bomar and Brett (Mary) Bomar, thirteen grandchildren – Nic Wilcox, Montana Roberts, TJ Roberts, Doreen Bomar, Bryn Bomar, Jacob Larson, Jon Larson, Lyndsie Lubek, TJ Bomar, Kyle Bomar, David Poole, Jami Hutchison and Rei Vossler, and numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
LaVay was preceded in death by her parents – Melvin Johnson and Amy (Anderson) Pursley, stepfather – Bill Pursley, sister – Mary Lou Morrison, and loving husband – Ed Johnson.
Funeral services will be at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, April 29th at the Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue in Helena. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
12:30 p.m.
Monday April 29, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Service
Monday April 29, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
3:00 p.m.
Monday April 29, 2024
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
12:30 p.m.
Monday April 29, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Service
Monday April 29, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
3:00 p.m.
Monday April 29, 2024
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Brad Bomar says
Sorry for your loss.
Scott St. Clair says
Condolences to all of LaVay’s families. I only knew her as an East Helena Postmaster. She was the best we ever had. I really enjoyed her obituary, it taught me a lot more about a great lady.
Lisa (Brogard) Nygaard says
LaVay was an amazing lady. I remember all the laughs she had with my mom. LaVay and my mom put so much work into compiling the Johnson family history book. They had a side job as detectives. Sending hugs to the family.