Naomi “Nonie” Fay Johnson left us during the harvest full moon, at her home in Helena, Montana after being surrounded by family and friends for days. Nonie was a woman of incredible strength and courage, fighting liver failure long and hard for 16 years; her body may have lost the battle, but her spirit lives on in those she left behind.
Nonie was born on December 18th, 1956 in Helena, Montana to Noral and Shirley Johnson. Nonie was one of four kids: Tracy, Nonie, Rusty, and Andy. Growing up with three siblings, their childhood was full of adventures. Their parents had a backyard pool and took them picnicking, skiing at Mount Belmont, and on trips all over Montana. The family spent time with their Johnson cousins during holidays and summer vacations at Eloika Lake with their Spokane cousins. Her time at Eloika Lake was especially memorable and we often heard stories of their time there. Nonie went to school at Ray Bjork Elementary, Helena Junior High, and Helena Senior High, graduating in 1975. During her high school years, Nonie was involved in several activities including the swim team and the Bengalettes. Nonie and her girlfriends, “The Wolf Pack,” met in high school and remained lifelong friends.
Following high school, she went on to cosmetology school in Spokane, Washington at Glen Dow Academy, and graduated in 1977. Shortly after, Nonie met Lyle Dolezal through a mutual friend, and they were married on February 25th, 1978. They welcomed two sons, Jake in 1980 and Matt in 1983. Nonie lost Lyle in July 1982 in a car accident but remained close with Lyle’s family the rest of her life.
Nonie met Amado “Chris” Garcia in 1983 and they opened a hair salon together called “Shears in the Cellar” in the basement of her house. In 1988 they welcomed their daughter Nicki. The years she spent at the Wilder Ave house were some of her happiest times. She was close to her siblings and they spent many Fridays together with their families drinking wine, visiting, and laughing.
In 1993 Nonie reunited with her high school friend Timm Goettel and they were married in February of 1994. Their marriage brought her another daughter Kody (Goettel) Ramler who Nonie loved like her own. Timm and Nonie lived in Eugene, Oregon for five years and enjoyed their time there. They were married until 2011.
Nonie was the sweetest woman; she was kind, a bit of a worrier, and very generous. She was fun and always ready for an adventure and her FOMO (fear of missing out) often kept her late at parties. She continued to ski in her young adult years and took her kids, nieces, and nephews skiing at Great Divide. She took scuba diving trips in the Bahamas with her dear friends and in Hawaii with her sister and cousins. She enjoyed camping and fly fishing and any time spent in the sun.
Nonie loved to be with her family and made friends wherever she went. She was an amazing mother and loved being with her children and grandchildren and creating memories with her large family. She spent time with the Dolezal family on their property at the Dearborn throughout her life. Nonie loved the wild and crazy JAKL reunions at Lions Sunshine camp with the Spokane cousins.
Nonie’s greatest joy was being a grandmother and with each baby her heart opened even more. She LOVED her grandkids and her only request for her remaining days was to spend time with them.
Nonie had such a bright light, and she was taken from us far too early.
Nonie is survived by her children; Jake (Mandy) Dolezal, Matt (Andrea) Dolezal, Nicki (Jake) Aldrich and Kody (Joe) Ramler. Her siblings; Rusty Johnson, Andy (Mike) Knoles, brother-in-law David Mabry, and sisters-in-law Debbie Dolezal and LeAnn (Dean) Ladany. Her grandchildren; Kaidyn, Hunter, Hannah, Addisyn, Karsyn, Raegan, Sawyer, Grady, Sterling, and Stetson. Nieces and nephews; Jim, Julie, Cory, Deana, Darci, Lindsay, Kira, Lacey, Rubi, Josh, Rachel, and Heidi
Nonie was preceded in death by her mother and father, Shirley and Noral Johnson; sister, Tracy Mabry; nephew, Clinton Johnson; husband, Lyle Dolezal; brother-in-law, Les Dolezal; sister-in-law, Lynne Hadley; and mother-in-law, Faye Dolezal.
The family is holding a memorial service for family and friends, on Monday, September 27th, 2021 at 2:00 pm at the Kleffner Ranch.
Memorials suggested to liver research or the Lewis and Clark Humane Society.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:oopm
Monday September 27, 2021
Kleffner Ranch
305 Hwy 518
East Helena, MT
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:oopm
Monday September 27, 2021
Kleffner Ranch
305 Hwy 518
East Helena, MT
Share
Mary Beth White Fisette says
I am so very sorry for the loss of Nonie. To her family and children, God Bless. I have no words that can take the pain away. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Mary Beth
Linda & Jim Gillett says
Jim and I are so sorry on the passing of Nonie. She was a beautiful lady . Sending prayers and love your way.
Jim Wilcox and Sally Russell says
We are so sad to see that Naomi has passed. Thoughts and prayers are with the family’s!
Dan and Sandi Benson says
Jake, Matt, Nikki & family. Know we send you are thoughts and prayers. Nonie gave a good fight for a long time. She was a wonderful woman & friend. May the days ahead bring peace and understanding to all.
Mike Allen says
Nonie was a great lady and for as long as I knew her she was always smiling. My heart goes out to all of her family & may Nonie forever Rest In Peace and never be forgotten.
Mike Murphy says
You have been a wonderful person your whole life….your sons too
Sara ( Margie) Graveley says
My deepest sympathies to Nonie’s family. Her contagious laugh and beautiful smile will remain in my thoughts forever . May you all find peace knowing how much she was loved and by so many . Rest well beautiful.
Sue Hart says
My deepest sympathies to Nonie’s children, Jake, Matt, Nikki, sister Andy, and brother Rusty and extended families. Nonie was such a fun loving gal, her laughter was contagious…. I so enjoyed working with her. She had such a wonderful personality and a beautiful smile… You and Tracy are kicking up your heels being your crazy selfs… Rest In Peace my friend.
Pam Bezanson Copley says
To all of Nonie’s family and friends. My deepest condolences for your tremendous loss. I am a Helena High School classmate of hers and have such fond memories of Nonie. She had a smile for everyone, a contagious laugh and a zest for life even as a teenager. I can’t imagine your pain but wanted you to know her classmates were deeply saddened to hear about her passing.
Riki & James Emerson says
Jake, Matt & Nikki – we are so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. Nonie was such a joy and had a wonderful sense of humor! Please know that we are thinking of you all and are here if you need anything!
Michelle Mitchell says
Remembering you today and thinking of your fun smile! I am praying for the family and friends who were close to her. She was way too young!
Michele & Jim O'Donnell says
Michele & Jim O’Donnell says
Rest In peace Noni, our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Janet Eck Bloom says
To Nonie’s family and friends- Nonie was a person always filled with love, laughter and joy! My Mom, Elaine Johnson Eck, just loved Nonie and they would laugh and talk for hours when they met! Although I did not know her as well as my Mom, I have many fond memories of time spent together laughing and chatting! I hope all of your wonderful memories of her sustain you through this difficult time. With great love-Janet (Eck) Bloom and family
Margaret Woo says
Dear Nonie, I am so sad to hear this news. She always had the sweetest smile. Condolences to all her family.
Leslie and Rick Gintz of the JAKL says
We were so very saddened to hear of our dear cousin, Nonie, passing and we send our deepest condolences to all the family. She was a bright light and we always had a fun time when together.
We will miss you forever.
Catie (Cuchine) Cloninger says
So sorry to hear of Nonie’s passing. She was a sweet, beautiful lady. She loved you all so much and I enjoyed hearing all about her children and grandchildren while caring for her. Thoughts are with you all! Her wonderful laugh and smile will live on forever!
Jan ( Gleason) Gregson says
To all of Nonie’s family, my deepest sympathies… how true it is that she had such a beautiful and genuine smile… she also was that person who truly wanted to know “ how you were doing” when she asked… any conversation with her was heartfelt… I hope memories of Nonie bring you all peace as you journey on..
Roy Moreno says
My sincere condolences to Nonies family sound like she was a wonderful woman she will be missed by all her friends RIP Nonie
Maureen Oelkers says
No I was one of the best human beings I have ever known. She endured so much in her lifetime but always kept her sweet spirit and grateful attitude. I will always hold a special place in my heart for you,Noni. My love and prayers go out to your family and best friends today and in the days to come. Love and prayers, Maureen “Mo” Oelkers
Maureen Oelkers’s says
Noni not No I
Mo struggling with technology once again
Maureen Oelkers says
Noni is one of the best human beings I have ever known. She endured so much in her lifetime but always kept her sweet spirit and grateful attitude. I will always hold a special place in my heart for you,Noni. My love and prayers go out to your family and best friends today and in the days to come. Love and prayers, Maureen “Mo” Oelkers
Rose Baker Hardman says
My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Joyce Womble says
My thoughts and prayers are with your family Naomi. Rest in peace my friend.
Joyce Semenza Womble
Renee Laffey (walker) says
to Nonis family,
So sad to hear Noni has passed away. We went to junior and senior high school together so many years ago – she will always be remembered for her enthusiasm snd smile. HHS class of 1975.
John and Donna Davidson says
Sending our love and condolences to Nonie’s family. She was such a sweet person and good friend through the years. One of our best memories was the Friday night pinochle games we played with Lyle and her. Nonie and Donna were great partners but John and Lyle were cheaters! Always a fun time! Oh, and gotta remember all the family hair cuts from the best hairdresser ever. Rest In Peace Nonie!
Jody Pace Davie says
I am so sorry to hear of Nonie’s passing. I was acquainted with the entire Johnson family and had a lot of fun in that backyard pool.
My thoughts go out to Andy and Rusty as well as all the children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews who were loved by Nonie. She was special and will be remembered fondly.
Karl and Karen Kallin says
Karl, @ Karen Kallin
Jake,Matt and Niki’s
Karen and I express our deepest sympathy on the loss of your Mom
Nonie was a great neighbor and we were all part of a neighborhood family and she was special
Karl Karen Kyle and kas
Mark Mueller says
My memories of Nonie were at Johnson Pool in Summertime at their house on Highland and I think Jerome street . She was so fun to hang out with. A beautiful lady and so kind with great smile and loving sense of humor. So I wasn’t able to keep up after 1977 heading off to college and 27-1/2 years in military away from Helena MT but through my sister Elaine kept up dated. My condolences to my friend Rusty and Family n Friends. Remember the best of times with this beautiful woman.
KAREN R. MULCAHY says
I am really sad to know that we lost Nonie
. I didn’t see her much in the past years because we both were moving around. I just remember Nonie to be so sweet, and warm, and a very good and caring person. There is no doubt Nonie will be missed. My heart goes out to all the members in her family. May God keep Nonie’s comfort in the palms of His hands. Love in friendship…
Kim Williams Randall says
Nonie will be dearly missed.
When we were growing up, we lived a block from Nonie, Tracy and their family. Some of my best childhood memories are of picnics with our families, swimming in the Johnson pool, and visits from their cousins. Also, our neighborhood had the best nighttime games of Hide and Seek, Simon Says and Red Light, Green Light.
I won’t forget her sweet smile and her exuberance for life.
Condolences to all the family
Diane and Budd Williams says
What a wonderful “story” of Nonie’s life, so well written.
I can think of nothing to add, except she was TH
Diane and Budd Williams says
My computer skills are really bad!
Nonie was THE best hairdresser and conversationalist, ever! I will miss her, always. Diane
Carol Hunter says
I had the pleasure of meeting Nonie when she was a sweet young mother to her children. Our paths crossed recently as neighbors and then as grandparents once again watching the kids grow. She always had a smile on her face and enthusiasm for the joy her family brought her.
My condolences to all of those who will miss her.
Kent Richards says
I was very sorry to hear of Nonie’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Johnson family.
Maura Gruber says
I was so sorry to hear of Nonie’s passing. She was such a ray of sunshine whenever I was around her, and a wonderful friend to my mother. Sending love and prayers to you all.
Brenda Felber says
Nonie and I worked together at Hennessys Salon oh so many yrs ago. We shared some good laughs and times. That infectious smile and possitive attitude, always kept everyone going. She will truly be missed. Remember she will always remain in your heart and she is only a prayer away and im sure she is always listening. Blessings to you all.
Kelsi Hannan says
Gramma NoNo, We laugh at that nickname because she was certainly the last person to say ‘No’ to any of her grandkids! In fact, if you even saw her for one minute with her grandkids then you would know what love looks like. She hugged hard, deep, long, and without a need for words because she understood that just being with them was everything. We will miss those hugs NoNo but we will look for you in sunsets, laughter, family and friends. We will honor you by loving your grandkids deeply, hugging them long and hard, and reminding them constantly about how proud you are of them. All my love, Kelsi
Don Pratt says
To the Johnson Family So sorry to hear of Nonie’s passing She was such a wonderful person My thoughts and prayers are with you all If there is anything I can do to help please call on me.
Saundra Lowry says
To all of Nonie’s family.,
I was fortunate enough to have met Nonie through my work and she was a delightful person. I also happen to know her grandchildren in Boulder and know that she adored all of her grandchildren!! She will be missed by all who knew her and I know her light will live on in them. Blessings to all of you during this sad time.
Saundra Lowry
Doris copenhaver says
Blessings to you and your family Noni. I remember the days of getting my haircut at shears in the cellar and all the laughs we shared. I’m sorry we never connected for lunch. I know you will be missed. I have many fond memories I can look back on. Blessings to everyone in your family.
Ami Matlock says
Jake and Matt so sorry to hear about your mom! I am thinking about you guys and your family. If I can do anything please let me know.