Our mother and grandmother, Esther Larsen Johnson, peacefully slipped away to join her beloved husband, Earl Fisher Johnson, and daughter, Patricia Ann, who had preceded her in death. She died on February 15, 2012 of natural causes.

Before passing on, she felt great comfort from her family close by her side; they all received greater faith in God by her strength. She was 93 years young and had lived alone in her home since her husband's death 23 years ago. Being the youngest and twelfth child of Almartin and Ellen Francis Comish Larsen, she will be greeted by a host of siblings and loved ones who have preceded her in death.

Esther, or Essie, as most people knew her, was born Sept. 20, 1918 in Preston, Idaho. Shortly after her mother's death, Essie lived with her older sister, Loretta Monson.

At this time, this beautiful 17 year old Homecoming Queen met Earl. It wasn't long before her handsome Prince convinced her to marry on Oct 25, 1937 in the Logan Temple. They lived in Twin Falls and Lewiston before settling in Boise for the past 70 years.

To their marriage was born five children: Richard Earl (Lawana) Johnson, Boise; Patricia Ann Johnson (deceased); Michael Clayne (Marilyn) Johnson, Florida; Debra Lynn (Kelsey) Royball, Star; and Scott Earl (Danna) Johnson, Boise. She had 18 grandchildren, Sheri, Shelly, Vicki, Jennie, Julie, Chad, Kelly, Jennifer, Rebecca, Brock, Guy, Jamie, Beau, Chris, Jacki, Mandi, Megan and Jason; and 36 great-grandchildren.

As a stalwart daughter and local leader of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, she took great pride and wanted her children and grandchildren to know of their pioneer heritage. She was especially proud to have been named after her grandmother, Esther Comish, who also met her husband as a 17 year old teenager while crossing the plains with the Mormon pioneers. And that her grandfather, John Comish, helped build the Logan Temple where Essie and Earl were married decades later.

Essie never learned to drive a car, but it didn't stop her from serving as a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many callings as teacher, councilor, secretary, President of the Relief Society (twice), and as Primary President. Most mothers were naturally a little fearful of their children learning to drive; instead, she encouraged each to learn because they quickly became her chauffeur to help with her callings! Her children were also the few who rode in taxis and buses.

She will always be remembered for her beautiful yard filled with flowers of every kind which she shared with everyone. Many happy hours were spent in the small backyard with family and friends.

Her love of the family carried over in every aspect of her life. Wonderful Sunday dinners of roast, potatoes and gravy, birthdays, treats, and holidays were always a treat in her home. She made Christmas Eve a tradition that will never be forgotten with a beautifully decorated house full of family, dinner, snacks, treats, and a warm fire in the fireplace. Santa would always arrive with a bag full of gifts, just at the right moment as we burst into Christmas songs. It was always a magical night at Christmas for everyone.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at the LDS Eagle Second Ward Chapel located at 700 West State, Eagle. Family and friends are welcome for a viewing 10:00 - 10:45 AM in the Relief Society Room prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at the Dry Creek Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of the Relyea Funeral Chapel.