Janet Angus Johnson, 68
Janet Angus Johnson, 68, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell, after a long battle with lung disease and autoimmune diseases. She was born on Jan. 1, 1941, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to William G. and Mary (Wheeler) Angus of Corning, Iowa, which also happens to be the birthplace of Johnny Carson.
She was the first baby of the year in 1941 in Corning. She often complained about her birthday on Jan. 1, that everybody had a hangover from celebrating New Year's Eve and watched football all day. As a high school girl she was recognized for her good looks and talent when she won the Southwest Iowa Beauty Queen competition and was presented her crown by Pat Boone.
She attended Colorado Women's College in Denver after high school and graduated in 1961. She returned to college later in life and received her Bachelor of Arts degree with honors, in anthropology and ESL from California State University in Bakersfield, Calif. Janet worked for many years as a volunteer for adult literacy, and was also employed at Bakersfield College as a tutor for foreign students.
Janet always kept a wonderful home and would rather be there than any place in the world. She was a homebody. She was an avid knitter and reader, a great cook of many international cuisines, and had a keen eye for decorating and design. She was a great animal lover and always had several cats and at least a couple of dogs. Many people would say that if they were reincarnated, they wanted to come back as one of Janet's pets. She provided fine foods and commodious accommodations.
She leaves behind two beloved Australian Shepherds, Scarlett and Dugal Blue.
Janet had three marriages, to Cliff Graber of California, Kendall Davis of Santa Fe, N.M., and "I have it right this time" to Donald M. Johnson.
Janet lived a colorful and exciting life. She lived in the eastern U.S., Sweden, England, California, and finally came to Montana in 1996 when her husband Don retired. She loved the Big Sky's open spaces and natural beauty, its relatively few people, trees, animals and birds. She said she was getting in touch with her "northernness' and Montana was a good place to start.
Janet was a beautiful person. She was loved by many friends around the world, but the strongest love came from her husband Don and her dogs, Scarlett and Dugal Blue. She filled a big space in this life and her departure leaves a great emptiness. "She followed her road 'til the sky ran out."
A private memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at a later date.
The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to the Humane Society of Northwest Montana, 3499 Highway 93 N., Kalispell, MT 59901; or to the Kern Humane Society, Inc., 900 21st St., Bakersfield, CA 93301.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Janet's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Janet's guest book, offer condolences and share memories.