Dona Lea Johnson, 86, of Idaho Falls, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Sunday, October 8, 2023 after a brief battle with cancer. She was under the care of Solace Hospice.

Dona was born October 22, 1936, in Oakland, California to George Parker and Esther Ralston Parker. Dona was the second of three daughters; she spent her childhood in several communities throughout the California Bay area. As a child most of her time was spent with her sisters Joyce and Lucile. Life was difficult for the Parker girls, and the three sisters formed a bond that would last a lifetime.

Dona was a member of The Church of Latter Day Saints. She was introduced to the church in California during her teen years. Dona would often say, "The best years of my life began when the church found me." In 1959 Dona was called to serve a two-year mission for the church in the Western Canada Mission. She had wonderful experiences and met lifelong friends. Her mission set a foundation for a lifetime of gospel study and learning. Dona was a voracious reader, she loved to read about history, different cultures, religions, and loved to study the gospel. After her mission Dona resumed work as a map draftswoman, a career path she had begun at the young age of 17. Her attention to detail and fantastic interpersonal skills made her a good fit for the job.

In 1967 Dona felt inspired to leave California and relocate to Idaho. She took little more than the clothes on her back, boarded a Greyhound bus and moved to Idaho Falls. She quickly found a job drafting maps at Idaho Title & Trust. Two weeks after arriving in Idaho, Dona met the love of her life, Lew Johnson, at a dance in Shelley. She was instantly drawn to Lew's good nature and love of the gospel. They were married April 20th 1968 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple and made their home in Idaho Falls. One of their favorite past times together was to read, study and talk about the gospel. Their eldest daughter Jenny was born a few years after they were married followed by their daughter, Mary. Both girls came to Lew and Dona through the gift of adoption and brought much joy and happiness to their lives.

As the girls grew older Dona took a job at the Idaho Falls Airport as security screener Dona thrived in this work setting because of her social prowess. She had a great sense of humor and enjoyed her daily interactions with people passing through from all walks of life. She made many meaningful connections  and friendships during her years at the airport. Throughout her life Dona developed a love for genealogy and researching connections with her ancestors.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She served in many different capacities including the Relief Society, Young Womens & Primary organizations. Her favorite calling was always a Gospel Doctrine teacher.

Dona's biggest joys in life were her family and friends.  She was masterful at listening to others and was never too busy to stop and lend a ear. . Her fun and witty sense of humor drew people to her. Even in her old age Dona would have been considered a social butterfly! Dona is dearly loved and will be greatly missed by many. A Quote by Atticus Finch from the book, To Kill a Mockingbird, best describes Dona, "She was one of the rare ones, so effortlessly herself, and the world loved her for it."

Dona is survived by her husband, Lew Johnson of Idaho Falls; her daughters: Jenny (Brian Woolf) of Idaho Falls and Mary (Paul Spear) of Pueblo, Colorado; and her four grandsons: Brock Johnson of Idaho Falls, Bryson Woolf of Idaho Falls, Jake Spear of Pueblo, Colorado and Will Spear of Pueblo, Colorado.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters: Joyce Poole and Lucile Tutton, her nephew, Butch Tutton; and her niece, Tracey Mirth.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 21, 2023, at the Rose Park Ward 1165  Azalea Dr., Idaho Falls. A visitation will be held from 6:30-8:00 p.m., Friday, October 20, 2023, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls, and one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the Rose Hill Cemetery.