Our beautiful mom, grandma, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend left this earth to join her awaiting family and friends Aug. 16, 2021. She passed away peacefully in her home with her loving daughter by her side.
Donna was born June 12, 1930, in Tooele, Utah, to Cloyd Enos Dalton and Mabel Clair Bracken. Her older sister Joyce was also there that day eager to welcome her arrival. She was a proud lifelong resident of Tooele — true to “Forever and Forever in Tooele.” She had a happy childhood and often recalled how she would sit on the front curb eagerly waiting for Daddy on payday, knowing she could spend her nickel at the candy store.
Donna enjoyed her school years where she developed many cherished lifelong friendships. On June 23, 1948, shortly after graduating, she married her high school sweetheart, F. Deris (Butch) Porter. They were blessed with three wonderful children, Ron, Allen, and Carolyn. She and Butch enjoyed 34 of their happiest years together raising their family and serving as active members of the community with the Tooele Bit & Spur Club and the Tooele Volunteer Fire Department. In 1982 Butch unexpectedly passed away.
Donna married Frank (Bud) Johnson on July 14, 1989. They were able to enjoy 28 years together until his passing in 2018.
Donna went to work at Tooele High School in 1965, a career she loved until her retirement in 1991. She learned the game of bridge which she was passionate about for almost 70 years. She was active in the Tooele 5th and 6th Wards of the LDS church serving in the primary, M.I.A., relief society, and ward choir. She loved music, especially country western.
She is survived by her daughter Carolyn Bevan (Rick); stepchildren Kim Johnson, Charlene Snyder, Mike Johnson (Amy); grandchildren Duane Porter (Leean), John Porter (Nicci), Rhonda Plute (Brandon), Staci Richards (Ryan), Janene Eubank (Bryan), Michelle Johnson (Roger), Alex Goff, Zoe Rees (Randall), Molly Johnson, Eli Johnson; 13 great-grandchildren (and two on the way); and three great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husbands Butch Porter and Bud Johnson, sons Ron Porter and Allen Porter, son-in-law Dave Johnson, parents Cloyd and Mabel Dalton, and sister Joyce Sonnenberg. We feel tremendous gratitude for the knowledge of the joyous reunion taking place beyond the veil.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Heather with Harmony Hospice for the tender care she provided Mom during this last year.
A viewing will be held Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Tate Mortuary; face coverings are appreciated. A graveside service will be held Monday, Aug. 23, at 11 a.m. at Tooele City Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed at the link: my.gather.app/remember/donna-johnson-2021
In lieu of flowers Mom’s wishes were for donations to be made to a charity close to your heart.