Shirley Elaine Johnson passed away on July 26, 2025 in Helena, MT at the age of 84. She was born on October 8, 1940 in Topeka, Kansas to Maurice and Lillie Ackeret.
Shirley began her life in rural Kansas, the only child of Maurice and Lillie. She moved to Lebanon, Oregon at a young age. Following her graduation from Lebanon High, she went on to Seattle Pacific College, where she majored in Art and Education. During her time at SPC, she met Howard Johnson in a Spanish class. They married during her senior year of college and spent the first year of their marriage in Japan, where Howard was stationed with the Army. When they returned stateside, Shirley used her education degree to teach Kindergarten in Seattle and preschool in Port Orchard, WA. She went on to become the librarian at Chambers Primary School (University Place, WA) when it first opened; her two oldest grandchildren saw some of her remaining touches at Chambers Primary when they attended there decades later.
When her children, Kevin and Lori, were teens, Shirley transitioned out of education into her second career as a hairdresser. She built a solid clientele over the years from the beauty shop attached to her home. Her clients became like family as they shared life stories together.
Shirley was a talented artist who loved to share her gift through practical crafts and decorating. Some of her projects included banners and decorations at church. Her home was always decorated for the current season. All of her grandchildren were impacted by her talents, whether it be in the creation of costumes, creating jewelry, or painting together – the memories are abundant!
Shirley and Howard had a true gift of hospitality. They readily welcomed guests into their home. A favorite memory is a house filled with candlelight, the smell of delicious food, and dozens of guests every Christmas Eve.
She cherished spending time with her family, whether it be during the holidays or time in their family cabin at Hood Canal. In 2015, Howard and Shirley relocated to Helena, Montana to be closer to Lori and her family. She loved seeing her children and grandchildren in their concerts, theater performances and sporting events at both Curtis HS (University Place) and Capital HS (Helena).
Howard preceded Shirley in death by six weeks. Shirley is survived by her son, Kevin Johnson and his wife, Marci of University Place, WA; her daughter, Lori Michelotti and her husband, John of Helena, MT; grandchildren Kyle Johnson (Krista), Melissa Murakami (Josh), Rosie Michelotti, Nick Michelotti, Ellie Michelotti; and by her sister-in-law, Barbara of Sanford, FL.
She and Howard were active in several churches and generously gave their talents, time, and resources to a variety of causes. She lived out her faith wherever she was. She will be remembered for her kindness, spicy and assertive spirit, and advocacy for the good of others.
Shirley and Howard actively volunteered with and supported local food banks in their communities, including Families Unlimited Network (University Place) and Helena Food Share (Helena). In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution toward one of these great organizations or a local food bank of your choosing.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Kevin Johnson says
Wow! Shirley Johnson was an amazing force to be reckoned with! I have many fond memories of our family adventures during summer trips and times at Hood Canal!
I am happy that Shirley has been reunited with Howard inside the gates of Heaven! Kev and Lori, I’m sorry this loss had to happen so close together!
Donald Iszler says
Shirley was an awesome person from my past young days! I know she is looking down from her spot in Heaven at us with a Smile.
Rest in peace knowing the memories we all share of your journeys in life among us!🙏
Chris Morgan says
Very devoted people and genuinely kind was neighbors in University Place. Wa. Both were great friends to the people around them
Ellie Froney says
I got to know Shirley when I went to her home hair salon. We enjoyed visiting so much. She shared some wisdom with me about parenting which I appreciated. They were a friendly and welcoming couple. My condolences to you Kevin and to Lori and your families. With peace and love to you all, Ellie Froney❤
Jeff Johnson says
What a summer. First Howard, then Shirley, and then my own mother two days later. In the span of about 6 weeks I feel as though I lost three parents.
Shirley was truly like my 2nd mom. I think she knew and understood me as well as anybody, sometimes better than I understood myself. Shirley had a way of identifying a problem and speaking wisdom to it that was disarming. She only ever wanted the best for people, and would give whatever she could to help others.
Christmas Eve at the Johnson’s was an annual legendary event and embodied “the Christmas spirit.” Only then could the holidays truly begin.
I have so many memories of Shirley—and Howard, that my childhood is an incomplete portrait without them in it.
My condolences to Kevin, Lori, and families. Your parents enriched so many lives. As devastating as it must be to have a world without Howard and Shirley in it, I could not imagine a world where they were apart. I find hope in that they at least have been restored to each other.