Maureen Johnson

Our mother Maureen Eaton Johnson passed away peacefully on a sunny morning, September 16, 2024. Maureen was born on November 21, 1942 in Bingham Canyon, Utah to Claudest Armon Eaton and Melba Wilson Eaton. She was the second of four children, having an older brother VaLoy and younger siblings, LouAnne and Brent.

She always said she had a wonderful idyllic childhood. Growing up in a home with loving parents who instilled in her self-confidence, integrity, and a love of music and nature, as well as many other things. Small town Vernal was a wonderful place to grow up. Summer days were spent swimming in the old pool in the city park and enjoying ice cream from the Vernal Drug. 

When Maureen was in grade school, she caught the attention of a dark-haired boy who chased her around the playground of Central Elementary, calling her “mooseface”. Later on when they were teenagers, all he needed was to hear her play the Elvis Presley song “Don’t Be Cruel” on the piano and Dale was smitten.

Dale and Maureen were married in 1961 at the old Vernal First Ward church and later sealed for time and all eternity in the Vernal, Utah temple on April 8, 2009.

They had three children MarLynn, Mike, and Meridee. Dale worked very hard in the oilfields of the Uintah basin and Maureen, had a job as the office manager in the Dental profession working for Dr. John Shimmin for over 30 years.

Summers were spent camping in the mountains at Oaks Park and Hacking Lake and everywhere in between. Maureen enjoyed scrounging for old treasures and antiques with her mother-in-law Vi, she would later refurbish and refinish them into beautiful pieces of furniture. She cherished her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She loved watching them play their sports games and matches. 

Maureen never missed a birthday and we were all recipients of her infamous happy birthday song.

She was very talented, an excellent seamstress, and extremely gifted on the piano and organ. This is a talent that she and Meridee enjoyed together playing numerous duets. 

Every summer, they grew a wonderful garden, they harvested the fruits and vegetables, so Maureen could can and preserve them. 

When in her 50’s Maureen discovered the game of golf, and she and MarLynn spent many hours on the golf course where many lasting friendships were made. She even served as the Ladies Club President.

She was an avid BYU Cougars fan and until very recently did not miss any televised BYU game or match.

When they should have been enjoying retirement, Dale and Maureen decided to start a new business with their son Michael called Tech Tac Company an Oilfield tool that Dale invented and for which they acquired a U.S. patent. 

She served unselfishly in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was a devout member. Callings included Young Women’s President,   Relief Society President, as well as various teaching positions. Maureen served in the Vernal Temple as an Ordinance Worker for many years. Like her mother before her, she was the ward organist for over 40 years, serving under 10 bishops. 

When Dale passed away in 2010, Maureen was empty and missed him dearly. We rejoice in the fact that they are together again.

Maureen is preceded in death by her husband, Lynn Dale Johnson, her parents, Art and Melba Eaton her sister, LouAnne, Hirschi and sister-in-law Elinor Eaton. Also, in-laws M.D. (Johnny) and Violet Johnson, brother and sister-in-law, Johnnie and Judy Johnson. 

She is survived by her three children, Alain MarLynn, Michael Dale, (Pennie Ann) and Meridee Jo., brother Valoy Eaton, brother Brent Eaton (Lydia) and brother-in-law Stephen Hirschi. Grandchildren, Ryan, Kimberly, Brandon (Chelsea), Tessa (Justin), Sara (Luke), Whitney (Zach), Tyler (Jen), Nick, Kasidee, Jace, and Morgen, and 22 Great Grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 11 at the Vernal 5th Ward LDS Chapel (250 N 200 W) with viewings held Monday, September 23rd from 6-8 PM at the Blackburn Mortuary, and Tuesday, from 9:45-10:45 prior to service at the Chapel. Burial will be in the Rock point Cemetery next to her sweetheart Dale, under the care of Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.