Clea Shumway Johnson November 13, 1927 ~ February 15, 2023

Clea was born to Seth and Vivian Stevens Shumway on November 13, 1927 in their “old brick home” in Blanding, UT. She was the fifth of 12 children.
After graduating from San Juan High School in 1946, Clea planned to accept a scholarship to Dixie College, but found her soulmate and stayed in Blanding instead.
She married Lyle Johnson on July 26, 1946 in the Manti, Utah Temple in a wedding dress made from scraps and a parachute brought back from the war in Germany.
Together, she and Lyle raised three very active boys that they were so proud of: Norman Lyle, Bruce Dean, and David Eugene.
No matter where Clea lived, she liked it to be clean and tidy - even the playhouse at the cabin was expected to be swept out, curtains washed, and a wooden table set properly with a tablecloth and a vase of flowers.
“Growing up with red hair and freckles was a disaster in itself,” Clea said, and yet she was adored by everyone and never lacked for a dancing partner.
Teased by her brothers for being a bit of a tomboy, Clea loved the outdoors and playing sports.
Always the role of a supportive wife, Clea spent dreadful days alone while Lyle worked many jobs and days away from home.
In 1957, she continued to show her dedication to her husband as together they started a business, Lyle Northern Electric, which eventually became very successful.
After building their home, Clea loved spending time in her immaculate yard that was admired by all. Bowling became a great stress reliever and joy as she and Lyle both became naturals at the sport and earned several trophies.
That wasn’t their only time in the spotlight however, they also appeared as doubles in the movie Smoke Signals.
After “the boys” were raised, she and Lyle enjoyed many trips together with friends and family. The cabin at the mountain and the condo in Mesa will forever hold many great memories for her children and grandchildren.
She had Lyle for 37 wonderful years, but their time was cut short when he passed away unexpectedly. She wasn’t sure how she could go on without him by her side.
Clea continued to support her family, business, and community that she loved. In 1987 Clea became Blanding’s first, First Lady as she was appointed mayor pro tempore for a time.
She served on many committees and boards and was respected by all those who had the privilege of knowing her.
In June of 1998 she was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from the College of Eastern Utah. She valued education and supported many of her posterity in their education.
As the “most important part of [my] life,” Clea never took for granted that she was raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved and lived these teachings through fulfilling countless callings and exemplifying our Savior through her daily actions. Her teachings and spirit will continue to live on in all who knew her.
Clea passed away in her home on February 15, 2023. 
She is survived by two sons, Norman (the late Ruth Johnson) and David (Susanne Nielson), daughter-in-law Marcia Helquest (the late Bruce), 17 grandchildren, 55 great grandchildren, 17 great, great grandchildren with one more on the way, and siblings Virginia, Ivaloo, Joey, and sister-in-law Katheryn.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, grandson, great grand daughter, and siblings Merwin, Ila, Burdett, Deloy, Glen, Kenny, Eugene, and Dorothy.
Services were held on February 21, 2023 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center with interment at the Blanding, Utah Cemetery.

Card of thanks
We are humbled by and grateful for the many kind acts of service, prayers, and all the sweet memories shared with us during this time.
We want to express our deepest appreciation to all of our family and friends, San Juan Mortuary, Lyle Northern Electric crew, and Blanding Second Ward.  We feel blessed to be a part of such a loving, supportive community. 
Thank you!

San Juan Record

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