Annette Diane Johnson

Annette Diane Johnson, 80, passed away on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 in Miles City, Montana. She was a resident of Rosebud, Montana, and a former resident of Ten Sleep, Wyoming.

Annette was born January 4, 1943 in Red Lodge, Montana; the daughter of Arne and Anna Wertanen. She grew up at the chrome mine in Nye, Montana, and graduated as valedictorian from Absarokee High School in 1961.

She met Dennis Johnson at a dance at a little rock school house near Fishtail, Montana, and they fell in love and married August 5, 1961. In 1962 they had their first child, Greg, in Bozeman, Montana. Their daughter, Joy, was born in Missoula, Montana, in 1964. They spent several years in Montana, living in Lolo, Absarokee, Glendive, and Wibaux, before moving to Otter Creek Grazing Association near Ten Sleep, Wyoming, where they lived for 28 years.

She was the circulation secretary at the Northern Wyoming Daily News in Worland for many years, and later served as the Ten Sleep city clerk. For a few years Annette worked at the senior center in Ten Sleep.

Annette loved fishing on her boat, especially at the Upper Sunshine Reservoir and Meadowlark Lake. She always caught the most and biggest fish. Annette was an avid reader, enjoyed playing piano, and loved gambling with her friends. She was also an animal lover and often cared for the barn cats and orphaned calves and lambs on the ranch.

She was a passionate supporter of her kids and grandkids, and enjoyed attending their sporting events and other activities. She celebrated their every accomplishment. Annette made a tradition of calling her kids every year on their birthdays to sing Happy Birthday to them. Annette loved spending time with her family and spoiling her grandkids.

She is survived by her husband Dennis; son Greg Johnson of College Station, Texas; daughter Joy Johnson-Kennah (Henry) of Green River, Wyoming; grandson Zach Kennah (Beth) of Florissant, Missouri; granddaughter Olivia Kennah of Green River, Wyoming; and her kitty, Sassy.

She was preceded in death by her parents Arne and Anna Wertanen, and two brothers Arne and Albert.

She has been cremated and a private family gathering will take place at a later date to celebrate her life.