Mary Elaine Johnson Lester

Mary Elaine Johnson Lester, 78, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025, surrounded by her beloved children and grandchildren, and with the gentle care of hospice at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah, after her health struggles became too much to bear.

Mary was born on November 24, 1946, in Soda Springs, Idaho, to Frank William Johnson and Grace Adra Olsen Johnson. She grew up in a large and loving family with her siblings Betty Johnson Roper, Shirley Johnson Lloyd, Kaylene Johnson Higgins, Val Johnson, and Lee Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents and all of her siblings, including two infant siblings, Frank Jr. and Gloria. As the last surviving member of her immediate family, we take comfort in imagining the joyful reunion now taking place.

Mary spent her childhood in Thatcher and Grace, Idaho, alongside her three sisters and two brothers. She cherished the outdoors, loved driving, and could often be found laughing and telling stories that brought people together. Being the youngest sibling, she formed close bonds with her cousins, nieces, and nephews, and throughout her life she welcomed many dear friends who became like family.

After graduating high school, Mary attended LDS Business College in Salt Lake City, Utah. This was the beginning of a lifetime of adventures, each new experience and friendship shaping her journey. Some paths brought joy, some brought challenges, but all of them created stories she loved to share. Through laughter, tears, triumphs, and struggles, she reflected on her life as one richly lived, full of relationships and heart. No matter where her adventures took her, they always led her back home to Grace, Idaho, where she built a good life, working many jobs, seizing every opportunity, and remaining devoted to her community and roots. Idaho was always her home and her love until the very end.

Mary married the love of her life, Randy Dee Lester, with whom she shared many happy years before his passing 17 years ago. Together they raised three children and created a family filled with love, laughter, devotion, and joy. Mary’s greatest pride was being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her children, Shane Michael Lester (Leslie), Heather Dawn Lester (Tony), and Randy Lee Lester (Kori); her grandchildren; and her great-granddaughter. She loved them all fiercely and never missed a chance to share their stories and adventures with others.

Mary will be remembered as a woman of many stories, many roles, and many joys. From her earliest days to her final moments, she had a gift for making people laugh, making them feel welcome, and standing up for what was right. She instilled in her children the values of hard work, resilience, and kindness, and she lived her life with love and humility. To her family and friends, she was a steady and guiding presence—someone who listened with her heart and gave comfort without judgment.

She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 12:00 noon in the Grace LDS Stake Center in Grace, Idaho. A viewing will be held Saturday from 10:00-11:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Bancroft Idaho cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com