Ross W. Johnson

Ross, our loving dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle, and friend passed away at 92, as his strong and healthy body gradually stepped aside as age related challenges and complications grew stronger. Although his body began to suffer greatly, his mind remained as strong and powerful as it was throughout his life. He would always greet his visitors with his patented stock questions: “What’s the good word?” “What’s new?” or “How you doing?” and say his customary goodbyes with “God Bless,” “Take it easy,” and “Save your money.” All greetings coming or going, were not simply routine questions but rather were said with a true desire to understand how one was doing, and they were always accompanied by his truly genuine smile. The wisdom Ross obtained throughout his life resonated as a life-long mentor and advisor to his children and many who valued his guidance and support.

Ross was born on March 16, 1932 in Santaquin, Utah to Nils Elias Johnson and Geneva Albertina Greenhalgh. He spent his boyhood years mastering the art of gardening and fixing vehicles while also establishing his love of nature, horses, hunting and fishing, and watching westerns. Using his knowledge of automotive repair, he rebuilt his 1967 Ford pickup during the winter of 1976. Ross was introduced to wine and the craft of winemaking by his late father-in-law (Filippo). He became a true connoisseur of wine, particularly pinot noirs and merlots, which represented a staple component of his diet throughout his life.

His family moved to Salt Lake City when Ross was twelve years old. He attended Bryant Junior High and East High School, where after school, he would spend many afternoons learning the plumbing trade by cultivating his skills in the art of cutting and threading pipe. After he graduated from high school, Ross proudly served his Country in the United States Navy, from 1950-1954. He worked as a Boiler Technician (BT2) in the Boiler House of the U.S.S. Boxer aircraft carrier during the Korean War. During his tour on the Boxer CVA-21, an always observant Ross became well versed in all things related to the carrier. He used his free time to explore the inner workings of the ship beyond his assigned station, and fostered many life-long relationships with fellow crew and officers alike. His employment in the plumbing industry as a teenager and later, his service in the Navy led to Ross earning his Journeyman Master Plumber license in the mid-1950’s. He operated his own plumbing business for several years until he accepted a plumbing position with the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Salt Lake City, where he worked for over twenty years. Ross always chose to pursue his journey through life by extracting all he could to maximize his experiences through exploration and education. This thirst for knowledge was utilized throughout his life to entertain his loved ones through humor. No matter how often Ross retold a story, and many were re-told over the years, the details never changed, exemplifying the honesty and character from which he lived every day of his life.

Ross married his life-long love Angela (Angie) Marie Notarianni, on December 7, 1957. After their first few years of marriage, he built their family home in Magna, Utah. Their life together spanned over 62 years. During that time, Ross also cared for Angie during her battle with Multiple Sclerosis. He and Angie raised five children and his family was an integral part of his life. He gained so much joy from simply talking to family members and learning about their lives; their subsequent accomplishments were simply icing on the cake.

Ross is survived by his children Max (Cherylann) Johnson, Julie Pizza, Michael Johnson, Ron (Katie) Johnson, and Tammi (John) Walther; eight grandchildren, Matthew, Josh, Daniel (Alisha), Ross (Mindy), Nicolaus (Isabelle), Angela, Blake, and Eli; three great-grandchildren, Roy, Francisca and Marjorie; nieces Luana, Lee Ann, Lisa, Carma and Cammy; nephews Loren, David, Rick, Chris, Terry, Garn, Tracy, Kirk, Johnny; sister-in-law Donna; brother-in-law Philip (Maria) Notarianni. He was proceeded in death by his loving wife Angie; son-in-law Rick Pizza; his parents; sisters Mabel (Jake) and Utah; brothers Dexter (Margarette), Todd, Mark (Shirley) and Don; nieces Joan, Judy, Nancy, Nadine and Alaina; nephews Charlie, Gary, Jerry, Tim, and Jamie; sister-in-law Jean (John) Caruso; brother-in-law Louie (Joyce) Notarianni; in-laws Filippo and Carmela Notarianni; and numerous other family members and dear friends.

Services will be held at the Utah Veterans Memorial Cemetery (Cemetery Chapel), 17111 South Camp Williams Road, Bluffdale, Utah. The program will include a viewing at 10:00 am, followed by the funeral service at 12:00 noon on Friday, February 28, 2025. Graveside services including full military honors at 1:30 pm. 

The family would like to thank Heather Mauro, NP (Intermountain Health, Cardiology) for her valuable guidance and support, and Erik Sorensen, RN (Intermountain Homecare and Hospice) for his thorough and caring assistance, as well as all others who cared for Ross. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Wounded Warrior Project.