Glenn Robert and Fern Louise Johnson

Glenn Robert Johnson

Born May 31st, 1927- Kingman, Az

Died February 20th, 2022- Snowflake, Az

Fern Louise (Work) Johnson

Born November 19th, 1932 - Swea City, Iowa

Died March 30th, 2022 - Snowflake, AZ

It is a special occasion when true love stands the test of time. In the story of our beloved “Mimi and Papa”, their marriage of 68 years is evidence in which such a bond can truly exist. The couple was blessed to depart this world within weeks of one another - the final and significant proof of an eternal connection. And it is in heaven that they now reunite with their only child-an event we rejoice. 

Glenn Robert “Bob” Johnson was born in Kingman, AZ, to Glenn Johnson and Virginia Slover.  After graduation, he served in the Merchant Marines during World War II.  

Fern Louise Work was born in Swea City, IA, into the large family of Harley and Emma Work.  She grew up farming and resided there until meeting Bob one day while in the area for work.

Bob and Fern were married shortly after in Algona, Iowa, on September 6th 1953. They lived in small towns and cities in rural Iowa and Arizona, until settling in at the family’s KW Ranch, south of Animas, New Mexico. It was here that they set roots, living in the area for 50 years, and  raised their only daughter, Bobbie Kay.  The three never took for granted this wonderful place to live and grow, enjoying years of dances, fairs, traveling, FFA, 4-H and FHA events together as a family.
After Bob retired from raising registered Hereford cattle on the Mexican border, he enjoyed visiting daily with members of the community while working part time for the local US Post Office. Fern retired after over twenty years serving as the business manager for Animas Public Schools, in the early 1990’s. In retirement they enjoyed relaxing at their home in Animas, and spending time with Bobbie and husband Mike “Opie” Orphey, and their grandchildren, Frank and Kelcie.  Seldom was there a community activity, school sports event, or morning at the local coffee shop that you didn’t see Bob & Fern present and at each other’s side. Following Bobbie’s untimely passing, Bob & Fern moved to Snowflake, AZ, to enjoy quality time in their final days closer to their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn Johnson and Virgina Slover; brother William Johnson; and sister Jean Raper.  Fern was preceded in death by her parents, Harley and Emma Work; brothers Orval, Harvey, and Harold Work; and sisters Opal Richard and Reva Tokheim. Both were preceded in death by their daughter, Bobbie Kay Orphey.  

They are survived by their son-in-law, Mike Orphey; and grandchildren (and great-grandchildren), Frank & Cheyenne Orphey (Trey Richards, Kaedyn, Emma, and Phoebe); and Eugene & Kelcie Hutton (Chisum and Sedona).

Please join us in celebrating the wonderful life built by these two incredible people on Saturday, April 23rd, 2022 at the LDS Church, 23 Church Rd, in Cotton City, NM.  Services will be held at 11:00AM, with pot-luck lunch immediately following.

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