Ross “Bud” Melvin Johnson, 89 years young, peacefully went to be with Mary, his best friend and wife of 61 years, on June 28, 2019 surrounded by family. His wonderful, warm smile and soft, friendly demeanor will be remembered by all who knew him. He never met a person he didn’t like and always made everyone feel welcome in his life.
He was born July 15, 1929 to Hugo and Mabel (Hansen) Johnson at the family home in Forsyth, Montana. His childhood was spent in Forsyth where he graduated from High School in 1947. After High School, he joined the National Guard and served for 9 years. In 1956 he started his career with the Montana Department of Transportation, rising to Project Manager and Chief Field Maintenance Supervisor, working at various locations throughout the state.
He married the love of his life, Mary Conell on April 14, 1957 in Broadus, Montana. They had 5 children, 9 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren that were their pride and joy. Bud’s job kept the family moving every few years with his last project bringing them to Lewistown where he retired from the Highway Department in 1989. He then worked as a field engineer for Century Paving until 2005 when he retired again to spend time with family. He also enjoyed working in his large garden, planting trees, and whenever he could he would play golf and go bowling with his family and friends. In 2010 they moved to Helena to be closer to family and in 2018 they moved into the Legacy Assisted Living after Mary was diagnosed with cancer. Bud lost his love in May of 2018 but continued to bring joy to his family and friends until his passing.
Bud is survived by his children; John (Karen) Johnson, Kem (Janet) Johnson, Deb Lind, Sherry (Jerry) East and James Casey (Brenda) Johnson, his grandchildren and great grandchildren, brothers-in-law: Walter (Tana) Conell, Charlie Conell & Bob Owens. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and their families that he loved spending time with.
He is preceded in death by his wife Mary, his parents, one brother Harvey and two sisters; Helen Owens and June Anderson. Also preceding him in death was brother-in-law Gordon Anderson, niece Cathy Owens Sanford and nephew Mike Conell as well as several life time friends.
Bud and Mary will be laid to rest together at a gathering of family and friends at 4:00 p.m. Sunday ,September 1, 2019 at the Forsyth Cemetery with a picnic to follow in the park.
The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the residents and staff at the Legacy, the staff at St. Peter’s Hospital, the Cooney Rehabilitation Center and the entire St. Peter’s Hospice team. If anyone wishes to give a memorial, the family asks that they be given to St. Peter’s Hospice, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Bud.
Naomi says
As a high school friend of Bud and Mary’s daughter Sherry Johnson East, I was privileged to know both Bud and Mary and to be a frequent visitor to their home in White Sulphur Springs. Bud was always so friendly and welcoming to me and his smile would warm my heart. Even all these years later in my mind I can still see him sitting smiling in his chair and Mary bustling around the house. It is a comfort to know they are together again and forever.
The Baham Family says
Please accept my condolences for your loss. May the memories you shared together bring you comfort as you grieve. Please have confidence in knowing that our loving creator did not intend for us to die. He longs for the day when he will resurrect all those who died to life on earth. ( John 5:28,29 ). May the god of all comfort help you through this difficult time.
Mrs. Bell says
I’m sorry to hear that you have lost a dear loved one. I did not know him personally but I can see that he will truly be missed. May the wonderful promises found at Acts 24:15 and Revelation 21:3,4 bring comfort, hope and peace.
Les Pallett says
Prayers to the Johnsons. Bud and Mary helped me when I started out in WSS with the MDOT. Both were so very kind and always interested in helping improve my work ethics. He followed me thru my career and we had some strong talks about life and highway politics. Always be good thoughts when thinking of them.. Prayers —Heaven got another good couple.
Ron Durfey says
We have lost two of the best with Bud and Mary. I worked with and under Bud with the MDOT. He
thought of me when he had an opening in his ranks. I lost contact with them when they moved
to Helena. My Prayers and Condolences to the Johnson’s Families.
Jason Johnson says
I love you grandpa. Give grandma a hug and kiss from me. We miss you down here and I’ll see you again someday.
Linda,Harrington says
As my Brother and Siater they Were the greatest people I ever met.
Linda Harrington says
My thoughts and memories go out to the rest of,the family and there children.