October 15, 1955 – October 15, 2015
Kayla Hobson Johnson changed her residency to Heaven on October 15, 2015 on her 60th Birthday, after a valiant battle against colon cancer. She passed away surrounded by her loving family. She was married to the late Chief John Burneil Johnson for 32 years. She took pride and much joy in her three daughters Kalynn, Karalyn, and Jennifer. In addition, her grandchildren were the light of her life.
Kayla was born to Alton J. and B. Joyleen Hobson in Malad, Idaho. She grew up in Pocatello, Idaho. She graduated from LDS Seminary and Pocatello High School in 1973. She attended Idaho State University to further her education in office technology. She then met John B. Johnson and they were married in 1980. Later in 1984, they moved to Hood River, Oregon where they lived and raised their family.
Kayla began working and no matter where she worked she had a great time! Kayla utilized her many talents and great people skills working at the Copper Kitchen, 7-Eleven convenience store, Famer’s Insurance, Wal-mart in the jewelry department, The F&K Daycare, and Parkhurst Place. She was always so grateful for any work prospect, and most particularly to Parkhurst Place for giving her an opportunity to work after dedicating her life to raising children, tending for grandchildren, and caring for her ailing husband.
Kayla will always be remembered for her bubbly and effervescent personality, her bright smile, and characteristic laugh. She was a friend to all, and knew no strangers. When faced with adversity she never complained, and always saw the glass half full. Those around her were always lifted by her greeting and by simply just being around her. She was a beautiful person inside and out, and a true ray of sunshine, an angel on earth. She was such a strong and inspirational soul, always happy and upbeat, and strength to many. She was so warm and loving, always making sure others had what they needed. She was a rare treasure on earth. Friends and family will dearly miss her.
Kayla was full of love for God, life, and family. She was a faithful daughter of her Father in Heaven, a delightful daughter to her parents, an incredible sibling, the best mother, and a phenomenal grandmother. She treasured her membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She loved her role in the largest women’s organization in the world, The Relief Society. In addition, she loved and read often from the Book of Mormon. She was often heard saying, “The Book is Blue, the Church is true!”. She was an ambassador for Christ on this earth and will continue her work on the other side.
Kayla loved the fall leaves and fall weather, Halloween, and holiday festivities, Michael Jackson, Karen Carpenter, the Bee Gees, and was a Wizard of Oz fan. She loved watching TV and movies: QVC, The Andy Griffith Show, Knotts Landing and Dallas, Cuthroat kitchen, and NCIS to name a few. She had a sweet tooth that rivaled the Candy Man’s; and was known for sharing her sweets and treats with those around her. She possessed a great love for animals. She and her husband John initiated a rescue program for cats.
Her husband John B. Johnson and father Alton J. Hobson preceded her in death. Her legacy will live on through her Mother Joyleen Hobson, daughters: Kalynn (Zachary) Johnson, Orem UT, Karalyn (Felipe) Castañeda, Hood River, Jennifer (Michael) Adkins, Hood River OR. Holding onto her heart are her grandchildren: Janessa, Cristofer, Diego, and Dylan Castañeda, Hunter John B. and Kayla Joy Adkins, Alton Zachary and Callie Louise Johnson, and one more grandbaby on the way. She is also survived by her siblings Danny (Denise) Hobson, Blackfoot, Idaho, Cindy (Tony) Kudla Pocatello, Idaho. She also left behind beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Services to honor and celebrate the life of Kayla Hobson Johnson are planned as follows;
Oregon Services: 4:00 p.m., Thursday, October 22nd at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Hood River (18th & May Streets, Hood River, Oregon) viewing will precede the service at the church at 3:00 p.m.
Idaho Services: Viewing is planned for 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 24th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Downey, Idaho. (525 East First North, Downey, Idaho) with graveside Rites at the Downey Cemetery, which will follow at 3:00 p.m.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Please visit our website to leave a note of condolence for family www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com.

Published in Idaho State Journal on Oct. 21, 2015