Kathleen ( Kay ) Johnson

Born the fourth daughter of God loving farmers in Malvern, Iowa on September 22, 1923, Kay Gilbert was a beaming light of love and grace for 99 years. She found joy in everything, strengthening her optimism through the Great Depression and WW II. When Charlie (CR) Johnson returned from combat in the Pacific Theater in 1945, the high school friends were engaged. Their marriage took them to Omaha with frequent visits to Colorado.

Kay and CR were so drawn to Colorado that they settled here with sons Dave, Jim (JJ) and Bob for 55 years of marriage before “Chuck’s” passing in 2002. Episcopalian beliefs were the anchor and “the boys” were the essence of family life in the tumultuous 60’s. Catharine, Jan and Carol are the daughters-in-law we all love.

The 70’s were ushered in with a second home in Winter Park. The 80’s and 90’s brought grandchildren Kyle, Nick, Zoe, Chelsea and Laurel, then Marshall, Kevin and Kelsey. Great-granddaughter Emily Bloom brought more joy to Kay and she welcomed Kevin Bloom (Zoe), Ross Pippen (Kelsey), Russ Flournoy (Laurel), Erica Stokke (Kyle) and Jack Haskell (Chelsea) to the family.

Kay thrived on friends, relatives and more friends. She lived in grace and died in grace. You know the rest of the story.

Celebration of life reception at Kay’s home - 01/12/2023 at 3pm

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Denver Rescue Mission ( https://denverrescuemission.org/ ) or the National Kidney Foundation ( https://www.kidney.org/ ) are appreciated