Dorothy Edna (Minnich) Johnson passed into the loving arms of our Lord on Aug. 11, 2013, at Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene. She was born Jan. 6, 1918, in Omak, Wash., to Hugh and Blanche (Jaquish) Minnich.

After graduating from Omak High School, she received her R.N. degree with the class of 1939 from St. Luke’s Hospital Nursing School in Spokane. M. Bruce Johnson was the love of her life. They met in high school — passing notes in class and falling in love on their senior sneak day, cruising Lake Chelan, Wash. Married Sept. 1, 1940, at the Omak First Presbyterian Church, they spent 72 wonderful years together. She started her career at the Omak Hospital, continued as a Charge Nurse at McKay Memorial Hospital, while living in Soap Lake, Wash., and beginning in 1966 used her nursing skills at Redding Convalescent Hospital in Redding, Calif.

She was known for her knowledge, compassion and tactfulness. Her interest in natural healing peaked in her 60s and she became a Nature’s Sunshine distributor, working part-time in her sponsor’s office and sharing her vast knowledge of vitamins and herbs. The Redding Church of Religious Science was another integral part of Dorothy’s life as she delved into her spiritual side and found lifelong friends.

Dorothy and Bruce moved in 2001 to Coeur d’Alene. They became members of the Nazarene Church and enjoyed the friendships they developed there. Dorothy loved the out of doors — picnics (anywhere), swimming (we have special memories of watching her float in Soap Lake with her hands behind her head, dozing), strolling through God’s creation, tending to her flower gardens, creating wonderful family meals and watching clouds.

She had a love of poetry and the ability to write it! Journaling and photography were other great enjoyments, as well as in later years, giving her great-granddaughter rides on her walker. She was a sweet soul, and the way she touched lives will be sorely missed by her family and friends. Happy trails, Mom!

She was preceded in death by her husband, Maurice Bruce Johnson; brothers, Russell Minnich and Harold Minnich; and sister Marian Muench. Dorothy is survived by son, Maurice B. Johnson II (Patricia) of Auburn, Wash.; daughter Rebecca Rennebaum (Fritz) of Coeur d’Alene; grandchildren, Vincent Johnson of Seattle, Lisa Adlard (Dave) of Athol and Derek Rennebaum of Coeur d’Alene; great-granddaughter Delaney Adlard; sister Genevieve Holter of Seattle; sister-in-law Evelyn Minnich of Omak; cousin Ferne Morgan of Gig Harbor, Wash.; as well as an extended loving family of nieces and nephews.

Dorothy, and her husband, Bruce, resided at Legends Park Assisted Care and Pacifica of Coeur d’Alene Senior Living (The Four Seasons). We want to thank those that had a part of making the last years of their lives easier and more enriching, as well as Hospice of North Idaho for their incredible care.

Services are pending. English Funeral Chapel, Coeur d’Alene, has been entrusted to handle final arrangements. Please visit Dorothy’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.