Cheryl Geddes Johnson

Cheryl Geddes Johnson June 22, 1941 - July 11, 2026, Provo, UT. Our beloved Mother,

Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Aunt and dear friend passed peacefully away at the age of

85.

Cheryl was born on June 22, 1941, the fifth of six children born to William Stewart Geddes and

Vanona Whitehead Geddes in Preston, Idaho. She was blessed to grow up in a home of deep

faith, hard work, and love of family. On the farm in Banida, Idaho, where she noted, “Daddy

claimed I was his best helper,” she learned the principles of faith and work which would be the

hallmark of a life well-lived. It was on a grain truck on the family farm when she first read the

Book of Mormon and knew that it was true. Surrounded by her childhood family, she was

instilled with a deep and abiding testimony of Jesus Christ, which never wavered throughout her

life.

Cheryl was proud of the fact that she was one of the last generation to attend a one-room

schoolhouse. Later, she attended Preston High School where she graduated in 1959. She was

actively involved in extracurricular activities that include Baton Corps, Thespians, and dancing

and singing in the Opera. She was also Sophomore class secretary. She loved her educational

years and this love of learning was maintained throughout her long life. As a young freshman,

Cheryl became aware of a tall senior who was Senior Class President, Seminary President and

a budding basketball star named Clark Johnson. In her own words, “Of course he didn’t know

who I was, since I was a lowly freshman when he was a mighty senior.”

After graduating from high school, Cheryl attended and graduated from Utah State in 1965 and

earned a Masters Degree in Literature from BYU in 1975. At her graduation from Utah State she

was privileged to graduate with her Mom who also received a long awaited diploma. It was

during her sophomore year in college that she had a blind date with her “mighty senior” and six

months later, Clark and Cheryl were married on June 30, 1961 in the Logan Utah temple.

Clark and Cheryl were blessed with five children: Jannette, Paul, Duane, Chamane and James.

Throughout their lives they were devoted and faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of

Latter-day Saints. They witnessed countless miracles together and knew that their eternal

covenants could overcome any trial placed in front of them. Their children were privileged to be

raised in a home with a very real and powerful legacy of faith in Jesus Christ.

One of the great highlights of Cheryl’s life was the opportunity she and Clark had to be directors

of the BYU Israel Study abroad program in 1985. This once in a lifetime opportunity allowed

them to move their family to Israel and walk where the Savior walked.

Cheryl taught English and College Writing for over 19 years at both Provo and Mountain View

High Schools and was the recipient of “Teacher of the Year” in 1997 at Mountain View. She

served in numerous church positions including Relief Society Presidencies, Young Women’s

positions, Primary Presidencies, and multiple YSA wards. After her retirement, she and Clark

served church missions to Mexico City, Mexico; Madrid, Spain; and Guayaquil South, Ecuador.

She and Clark also served in branch presidencies at the Provo MTC. They LOVED everything

to do with missionary work. After Clark passed away in 2009, she received another call to serve

in the Provo, Grandview East Stake Spanish ward. Her lifelong example of service extended to

temple work, where she served for the remaining decades of her life. Cheryl never seemed to

be able to slow down to a retirement pace, and even as her health declined she volunteered her

time and talents at Elder Quest where she served a term as president and on the board for

many years. Throughout her life, she adored her beloved BYU Cougars and never missed a

chance to watch or listen to their games. Mom was a refined woman who loved fine art, fine

literature, and always made sure she had the time to see a great play or musical performance.

Mom was an amazing example to all who were blessed to know her. Her countless hours of

service and sacrifice will stand as a testament to a life well lived. She was preceded in death by

her parents, siblings, her beloved companion Clark, two grandsons and one greatgranddaughter.

She is survived by her five children Jannette (Mark) Salmon, Paul (Marianne)

Johnson, Duane (Lori) Johnson, Chamane (Reid) Monson, James (Andrea) Johnson. Cheryl

was blessed with 35 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren. She was proud of each and

every one of them!

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 10:00am - 10:45am at the Grandview

Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 1122 Grand Avenue,

Provo, UT. Funeral services will follow from 11:00am - 12:00pm. Interment will be at the

Franklin, Idaho Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com