Frances Kathleen Johnson, 72, of Idaho Falls died Wednesday, March 28th at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls.

She was born November 16, 1939, the 4th daughter of Andrew and Eva Wantulok in Monarch, Wyoming. Frances grew up and went to grade school in Monarch and finished High School in 1958, graduating from Sheridan High School in Sheridan, WY. After graduation, she worked as a waitress and attended classes at Sheridan College in 1960. Following that, she moved to Thermopolis, WY and worked as a medical transcriptionist at Gottsche Medical.

In 1965, she married her husband, Robert Johnson. Together they moved to Idaho Falls in 1967 where she continued working in medical transcription at Riverview and Parkview hospitals until 1975. In February of that year her only son, Tim, was born in Idaho Falls. Frances raised her family as a stay-at-home mother until she returned to the field of medical transcription in 1991. She retired completely in 1995, just a few years before her husband.

Frances was an avid gardener and was very proud of her garden every year. She always grew more than she knew what to do with and was very generous in sharing her crops with friends and neighbors. She also enjoyed traveling with her family and made it to the four corners of the United States, mostly by bus. In the cooler months, she enjoyed watching football and was often found in a heated argument with the television. Her favorite team was the Broncos and she wore their colors proudly.

In 2009, Frances had a massive stroke that started the final chapter in her life. She moved to the facility at Idaho Falls Care and Rehab, where she made several friends among the staff, residents and guests. Her daily focus on rehabilitation was only surpassed by her good nature and friendly demeanor to everyone that she interacted with.

Survivors include her son, Tim Johnson of Seattle, WA; two sisters, Mary Jane Legerski and Shirley Martini, both of Sheridan, WY; a brother, Harry Wantulok of Cody, WY; a step-daughter Jacqueline Trout of Littleton, CO; and several loved nieces, nephews and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three brothers and two sisters.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 2nd at Buck-Miller-Hann Funeral Home, 825 E. 17th Street in Idaho Falls, with Pastor Alton Johnson officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations be give to the America Stroke Association or online at www.strokeassociation.org.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.buckmillerhann.com.

The Sheridan Press - April 2, 2012.