Janice Johnson

Janice Bauer Johnson, 89, returned peacefully to her Father in Heaven on October 12, 2025, surrounded by the family she so deeply loved and devoted her life to.

Janice (pronounced Janeese) was born on November 28, 1935, to Fern Ashdown and Harmel Bauer, the sixth of nine children. From the start, she was full of life, love, and a quiet strength that carried her through every season of her 89 wonderful years.

On May 5, 1954, she married her forever sweetheart, Howard Don "Donnie" Johnson. From the moment she met him as the "new boy" in Cedar City, she told her friends he'd be hers-because they shared the same birthday. She was right! For 71 beautiful years, they built a life full of laughter, love, faith, and family.

Mom had a competitive spark and a heart for sports. She often said she wished girls had the same opportunities back then that they do now, but she poured that passion into cheering on her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids instead. She never missed a game and was recognized for her famous cookies-shared generously with every team. She was especially known for her homemade corn dogs and pies that her grandkids still rave about.

She was blessed with five children-Don, Linda, Mike, Mark, and Tracy-who were the pride and joy of her life. She found endless happiness in family gatherings, long talks, and late-night pinochle games that often ended in laughter and storytelling. Her circle of friends from those games became like sisters, and their friendship lasted a lifetime.

For 35 years, Mom worked in dentistry with Dr. Jay Aldous and Dr. Rudy Tillmann, where she was known for her kindness, loyalty, and hard work. But her most important and cherished job was always being Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Denton, Karlynn, Arlan, Theon ("Bud"), Margaret, and Sharon. She is survived by her loving husband Don; her children Don (Trish), Linda (Dave) Hammer, Mike (Debbie), Mark (Patty), and Tracy (Shanon); Sisters Bobbi Flint, Frances (Ken) Davis and sister-in-law Annette Bauer; 16 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Her legacy is one of love, laughter, faith, and family. She will be missed beyond words but remembered in every cookie shared, every game cheered, and every story told.

There will be a viewing held in her honor, at the McDougal Funeral Home @ 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah from 6-8pm on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Interment services will be held in Cedar City @ Southern Utah Mortuary, 190 North 300 West, Cedar City, Utah on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, with a viewing to be held at 12:00-1:00pm followed by a Celebration of Life.