Vivian Ann Johnson passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at BeeHive Homes in Helena on August 4, 2023.
Vivian was born May 23, 1936 in Townsend, Montana to Allan Daniel Graveley and Anna Louise (Lockwood). Allan passed when Vivian was 15. Louise later married Al Zipperian, who played a significant role in Vivian’s life
The youngest of three siblings, Vivian grew up in the family home on Spruce Street in Townsend. She attended school in Townsend graduating from Broadwater County High School in 1954. She was a member of Rainbow girls. One of many recollections of Vivian’s youth was a summer spent at the family ranch in Canton, helping out the hay crew. The property at Canton was later covered by the waters of Canyon Ferry Lake.
Upon graduation from high school, Vivian moved to Helena to begin work for USF&G Insurance Company which prepared her well for her future career with the State Industrial Accident Board (later Workers Compensation) from 1970 to 1993.
Vivian married Raymond N. Johnson, a veteran of the Korean War, on April 9, 1955 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Townsend. The newlyweds, moved to Toston where they remained for a year helping Ray’s family with their dairy farm, before moving to Helena in 1956. Their son, Kevin, was born in 1956. Todd arrived in 1959, completing their family. Weekends in the summer and fall were spent with friends and family at a shared cabin on Deep Creek where the boys and their cousins learned to fish. Vivian was tickled when plumbing was installed and when the big box TV-that never worked- was stolen.
In the mid 70’s, Vivian and Ray settled in the Birdseye area outside of Helena where they lived the country life complete with a new home overlooking the red barn, and pasture grazed by Ray’s prized cattle. Vivian and Ray were instrumental in introducing many newcomers to Montana country living; from sharing sugar cookies and homemade soups to plowing snow and helping with calving and branding. Through these associations, close friendships developed, including Gary and Elena Frederick and their daughter Christina; John and Deb Fosket; and Jim and Arlene Bouley.
Vivian thoroughly enjoyed her volunteer work including approximately 6 years with the Thrift Store at Fort Harrison and an 18 year involvement with the reading program at Broadwater Elementary which she enjoyed with her sister Peggy. Vivian was also involved in alter guild and the Episcopal Church Women at St. Peter’s Cathedral. She was Worthy Advisor for Rainbow Girls.
After living a very active and independent life, Vivian moved to BeeHive Homes of Helena in 2022. Thank you to the staff members of BeeHive and Saint Peters Hospice for their kindness and care.
Vivian is survived by sister Peggy Kude; son Kevin (Janis), son Todd (Angie) and granddaughters Amie Stedeford (Ryan) and Kara; and grandson Brett; sister-in-laws Norma Doig and Coralie Graveley; special cousins Trenna Scoffield and Deena Pech. She has numerous nephews and nieces. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband and her brother, John Graveley.
A private family gathering will be held at Fort Harrison where she will be interred with her husband, Ray.
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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Pattie Berg says
Vivian was my supervisor at workers’ comp. She was the perfect mix of sweet and kind, and no nonsense. She spoke a lot about their Deep Creek cabin…. Every time I go through the canyon and see the cabin, I think of Vivian. I am so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful lady.
Inez Slayman says
My prayers and heartfelt thoughts go out to Vivian’s family at this time. I worked with Vivian several years at State Fund. She expected people to do their job but she also dealt with those causing issue for those she supervised. I came to respect Vivian very much.
Marta Kindt says
Dear Kevin, Todd & families,
Our sincere condolences for the loss of your beautiful mother. She was a wonderful, fun, sharp lady! I will always remember her with great fondness.
May the Lord watch over and bless you during this difficult time. You were such wonderful sons and took such great care of her. Sending Hugs and prayers your way.
Love, Marta & Timothy Kindt
Carol Dullum says
Vivian was a special lady who was great to work with. She really knew her job and was respectful of everyone. When I would see her out and about in Helena she always made a point to say hello. She will be missed. Sending prayers to the family.
Jeanette Loucks says
Vivian & I “adopted” one another many years ago. She was a great friend & confidante. Her laugh was infectious & her wit sometimes made me stop for a sec & think. She was so sharp. She was very generous with her time when I needed her most. I enjoyed our conversations. I know Kevin & Todd will be okay at this time. She raised them well, along with Ray.
John Cherie Dahl says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Vivian and Ray became friends from Ray and John’s service together in The National Guard 🇺🇸🙏
Diane says
Todd and family
I was so sorry to see that your mom passed away. She was a wonderful person and a huge influence in my life. I worked for your mom at Montana State fund for many years and found her to be a kind, understanding, and fair person. I remember working with your dad when he was doing real estate and he too was a wonderful person. . My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. With deepest sympathy Diane, Pedersen.
Mike & Callie Langohr says
All the best to Kevin and family. A very nicely written obituary for your mom. She lived a full and interesting Montana life. Our prayers are with you and all of your family.
Donald and Nancy Sasse says
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Vivian. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The bridge of love unyielding stands, across it live and death touch hands.