Rebecca Ann Johnson, 63
Rebecca Ann Johnson, also known as Becky, passed away in her home in Kalispell on June 6, 2019, at the age of 63.
She was born on Aug. 28, 1955, in Wolf Point to Harry and Diane Shennum. Several years later, her mother divorced and met a man named Burton Rice and remarried. She grew fond of Burt and came to love him as her own father and was later adopted by Burt.
In 1972, Becky graduated from high school in Westby. After graduating, she worked for a fire crew where she witnessed Evel Knievel’s attempt to soar across Hells Canyon. Later she moved to Dallas where she worked for Braniff Airlines until they later declared bankruptcy. In 1974, Becky had her first child, Christ-opher and four years later had her second child, Dawn.
In the 1980s Becky relocated to Kalispell. She married Michael Johnson, had her youngest child, Kayla, in 1989 and divorced several years later. In 1997 her son Christopher bought Murphy’s Carpet Cleaning where she began answering the phones and eventually became his full-time secretary. After hearing of her death, customers were saddened by the news and said they’d always loved her happy voice, infectious laugh and overall amazing personality.
If there was one thing in life that Becky treasured most, it was her family. She was always so proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She would attend most of the school plays, lunch brunches and talent shows. Her grandchildren were what she enjoyed most in life and she would always say they were her reason to smile.
Becky was preceded in death by her mother Diane, brother Leland, grandchild and great-nephew.
She is survived by her father Burt Rice, her children Christopher, Dawn and Kayla, sisters Cindy Juntunen and Kathy Declimente’, 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Friends are encouraged to visit the website www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.