Janice E. Johnson

Janice E. Johnson went to be with the Lord on Feb. 16, 2017. She was the oldest of five children born in St. Louis, Missouri, to Charles and Esther Cates on Jan. 11, 1932. Her father was in the Air Force, so she went to school in many different places, including Japan and Hawaii.

Janice met George Johnson in June 1956. They courted then married on Nov. 22, 1956. Together they raised five sons in Southern California.

Janice was active in Knott Avenue Christian Church in Anaheim, Calif. She was a part of the ladies ministries and led the group for a while. She studied to become a sign language interpreter and this became her ministry for the deaf. She studied nursing and worked as a certified nursing assistant in a nursing home.

Looking toward retirement, she and George built a home in Idyllwild, Calif. After living there for two years they decided on a new adventure and moved to Porthill, Idaho, in 1995. Together they started a small orchard, named Mountain View Orchards, which grew to be probably the largest U-pick orchard in Boundary County. They celebrated 60 years of marriage on Nov. 22, 2016.

Janice was an active member of First Christian Church in Sandpoint. Janice was active in the Porthill community. She was a member of the Mt. Hall Volunteer Fireman’s Ladies Auxiliary and the Porthill Bunco Chicks. She was well known for her witty smile, mischievous attitude and sparkly blue eyes.

Janice dearly loved her family, especially her grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, George Johnson; her siblings, Joyce, Kenny and Deanna; her sons, Paul (Dawn), Craig (Janice), Leslie (Heidi), Noland (Judy) and daughter-in-law Lynne; 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Doug and her beloved son, Lloyd.

Viewing will be held at Coffelt Funeral Home in Sandpoint from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24. A memorial service will be held at First Christian Church, 201 N Division Ave., Sandpoint at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017.