Beverly Jean Johnson

Beverly Jean Johnson passed away at the Great Oaks Assisted Living Center in Rigby, Idaho on January 3, 2015 only two short months after losing the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Johnson. Beverly Jean Nielsen was born March 2, 1935 to Mel and Rachel Nielsen of Hamer, Idaho. She was the oldest of four children: Margaret Wood, Blackfoot, Karl Ray Nielsen (deceased) and Bill Nielsen, Hamer. She was raised in Hamer where her parents owned and operated the Hamer Store, Pool Hall and Post Office. She attended schools in Hamer and Roberts. She married Robert “Bob” Johnson on November 19, 1951 and they had three children together; Roxanne, Bobbie Jean and Ricky. Beverly's world was her family. Her joy came from taking care of those she loved. She was an excellent cook and always had oatmeal cookies; banana bread and homemade raspberry jam on hand and would make sure she had plenty to send home with whoever came to visit. She was the best wife, mother and grandmother that ever lived. There was nothing she wouldn't do for her family. Beverly was secretary of the Roberts High School and Junior High School for many years. At the same time she and Bob had a farm in Roberts and she worked alongside him in the fields planting and harvesting crops. In 1975 they sold the farm in Roberts and moved to Pleasanton, California where they raced horses together and she worked in the Pari-mutuel windows. In the early 1990’s they retired and moved to Hamer where Beverly was a pillar of the community. She served as the Mayor of Hamer for many years and worked hard to get a memorial in the city honoring all local war veterans displaying their names, years of service and branch of the military. She also acquired the funding for a new city building which is used by many in the community and also houses the local fire department. Beverly is survived by three children; Roxanne (Lynn) Page of Rigby; Bobbie Jean Albertson of Boise; and Ricky (Ranae) Hugh Johnson of Idaho Falls. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 Friday, January 9, 2015 at Eckersell Memorial Chapel, 101 W. Main Street, Rigby. The family will receive friends from 7 – 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the West Jefferson Cemetery. Services are under the care of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.eckersellfuneralhome.com