In Loving Memory of Edythe Kathryn Johnson

Edythe Kathryn Johnson age 78 of Raton, NM, passed away Tuesday March 12, 2019 in Colorado Springs, CO. She was born February 21, 1941 in Springer, NM, the daughter of Ralph and Kathryn Hephner-Brown. Edythe was a wonderful mother, home maker, and member of the St. Patrick’s-St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Raton. She was known to many as a master gardener and the creator of the best homemade ice cream in town. Edythe loved bowling, baking, and watching her grandchildren play sports. She enjoyed hosting family dinners and always welcomed everyone to her home with open arms.

Edythe was preceded in death by her parents, her husband LeRoy “Ike” Johnson, son Dusty Johnson, and sisters Olivia Frakes and Zoe Ann Mattorano. She is survived by three daughters: Velva Rea and husband Larry of Raton, Jackie Johnson and Tim Fehlman of Colorado Springs, CO, Kathy Vertovec and husband Tom of Raton, and granddaughter-daughter: Shannon Gonzalez and husband David of Colorado Springs, CO. Six grandchildren: Jessica Rosado and husband Mario, Tyler Vertovec, Mikala Vertovec, LeAnn Rea, and Jim Rea and wife Renee. She has eleven great grandchildren: Jadan, Andres, Gabriel, Noah, Luca, Natalie, Ethen, Kiara, Jared, Nicholas, and Mikaela. Two sisters: La Donna Powell of Seadrift, TX, and Carole Romero and husband Dick of Raton, brother-in-law Paul Mattorano, and one brother Albert Brown and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Tuesday March 19, 2019 from 2:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. at the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home in Raton. Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary will be Wednesday March 20, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Patrick’s-St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Raton recited by Frank Cimino Jr. Mass of the Resurrection will follow at 10:30 with Father William Woytavich as the celebrant. Rite of Christian burial will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Raton.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements and celebration of love for Edythe Kathryn Johnson are under the direction of the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home of Raton.