Susan Alice Johnson

Susan Alice Johnson, 81, of Grandview, WA, passed away on February 18, 2025. She was born on September 29, 1943, in Richmond, Virginia, to Paul and Betty Mowry. Susan was the beloved middle child of four sisters: Paula, Trish, and Carol.
Susan’s early years were spent moving with her family due to her father’s army service, living in Richmond, Virginia, Salina, Kansas, and Troutdale, Oregon, before the family settled in Grandview, Washington. She graduated from Grandview High School in 1961 and went on to earn a teaching degree from Washington State University, graduating in 1966.
After college, Susan and her first husband, John Maxwell, moved to Southern California, where they started their family. It was there that their children, Julie and Ryan, were born. In 1975, Susan and Jack decided to move back to Grandview, WA, to open a law practice and raise their children in a small-town setting, where they could offer them a close-knit community and a more peaceful lifestyle.
In 1999, Susan married Bruce C. Johnson (deceased), beginning a beautiful partnership built on love, companionship, and shared adventures. Together they shared many adventures, including fishing trips on the Rogue River, exploring the vibrant colors of New England, traveling through Europe, and enjoying the beauty of the Oregon Coast. As true Cougar and Beaver alumni, Susan and Bruce also enjoyed attending many games, supporting both Washington State University and Oregon State University with great enthusiasm.
Susan’s greatest joy in life was her family, particularly her grandchildren. She was their number one fan, attending every sporting event, music performance, or school activity, offering endless love and support. She cherished sharing her passions for baking, gardening, and servant leadership with those she loved, creating lasting memories in everything she did.
Susan’s career was marked by a deep love for teaching and community involvement. She enjoyed many years as a teacher in the Grandview School District, taking pride in helping shape the lives of her students. She was also a dedicated member of various service organizations, including PEO and Kiwanis, and served as a deacon and in youth education at Bethany Presbyterian Church. One of her favorite activities was working the church fair booth, a role she enjoyed so much that she often joked she’d work at McDonald's when she retired. Instead, she found great fulfillment as a CABI clothing consultant, a career that allowed her to combine her love of fashion with her passion for connecting with people.
Susan is survived by her children, daughter Julie (Ray) and their children Tiana, Taran, Talia, and Destiny, son Ryan (Sindy) and their children Kaden, Kyan, and Evan, and her step-daughter Heidi (Eric) and their children Erin and John; her sisters, Paula (Dave), Trish, and Carol (Tom); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Betty Mowry, and her beloved husband, Bruce C. Johnson.

 A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Bethany Community Church in Grandview, WA. Those wishing to sign Susan's online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com    In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Extra Mile,  206 W. Second St. Grandview, WA  in memory of Susan. Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.  

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