Eva Marie Lemelin Johnson left this world on February 18th, 2023, surrounded by her family. Eva was born on July 9th, 1927, to Albert and Lydia Lemelin. She was one of 9 children. Eva was a tough lady. She beat breast cancer and lung cancer, but developed colon cancer at the age of 95 and just wasn’t strong enough to beat it.
In 1946, Eva met and married Raymond Johnson in Butte, and together they raised 4 children: Richard, Diane, Cherye & Randy. Ray worked construction, so in 1963 they moved the family to Wolf Creek, Montana, then to Belt, and then to Drummond where she resided for 30 years. In 2005, Eva decided to move to Butte to be closer to family.
Eva’s joy in life was being a seamstress, from doing alterations to making cheerleading uniforms, wedding gowns, and prom dresses. There wasn’t anything she couldn’t sew.
Eva served on the board of directors for the Belmont Center, she was a volunteer with the RSVP Program, she was a clogger with the Silver Bow Stompers, and she also enjoyed bowling. Grass never grew under her feet.
Eva was preceded in death by her husband Ray of 52 years; her siblings Ray, Elmer, Gene, Gil, Yvonne, Blanch, Ramona, and Delores; and her granddaughter Theresa Johnson.
Eva is survived by her children, Richard (Jutta) Johnson of Jacksonville, FL, Diane (Dick) Bell of Forsyth, MT, Cherye (Jim) Petritz of Butte, MT, and Randy (Janet) Johnson of Kenai, AK.
She is also survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Jerry Johnson, Tanya (Mark) Coomes & family, Raymond (Chaz) Bell & family, Eva Bell & family, Dixie (Bob) St. John & family, Sarah (Chris) Pipkin & family, Amber (Trevor) McNeff & family, Lee (Cassi) Sullivan & family, Tara (Dexter) Cosner & family, and Kile (Julie) Reichert & family She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
We would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Shawna Yates for the care she has given our mom, and to Heather and the entire Enhabit Hospice staff for the care and support during our mom’s final days.
A funeral mass will be held at 11AM on Monday, February 27th, at St. Anne’s Catholic church, 2100 Farragut Ave., Butte, MT 59701, with visitation beginning at 10AM. She has been cremated, and will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park following services. Memorials can be made to Belmont Senior Center, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
To leave a condolence or share a memory of Eva, please visit below.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Eva and her family.
Lydia Lemelin Hart says
Sorry for your loss. It sounds like she lived life to its fullest.
You are all in my thoughts,
Elmer’s daughter, Lydia Lemelin Hart
Janice Muniz says
My love & prayers to Cherye (Jim) Petritz and all of Eva’s Family. I will miss seeing her at Sparky’s playing the machines with you guys. May her memories hold dear in your hearts. Rest in peace sweet lady. ((((hugs))))
Janice Muniz
( Sparky’s Garage )
Jeff Lemelin says
So sorry for your loss.
Jeff Lemelin
Elmers son
Patti Richardson says
So sorry for your loss🙏🙏
Patti Richardson
Mary Kay McGinnis says
Cherye and family. Sorry for your loss of Eva. I know you will miss her.
BECKY KOLBECK says
Thinking of you and we are sorry for your loss. We were lucky to have been able to know both your mom and dad. We have lots of fun memories of them. I will shake a little salt in my coffee today for your mom. She always did that at the cafe , said it took the bitterness out of the coffee. What a fun lady.
Love and Prayers, Keith and Becky Kolbeck