On December 29, 2025, Brenda J. Johnson joined her soulmate, Turtle, in Heaven.   While we always knew Brenda was an angel here on Earth, we are absolutely certain that she has officially gained her wings in Heaven.

Brenda was born on April 19, 1951 in Tacoma, Washington to Wiliam "Bill" and Joyce Little. While Brenda grew up primarily outside of Montana, she eventually found her way to Montana. Brenda attended Butte High School where she was one of the elite members of the "Top 16" choral group.  In 1972, Brenda married the love of her life Albert "Turtle" Johnson who brought with him a bonus daughter, Robyn.  Brenda loved Robyn like she was her own, and later added two additional children to their family, Sean and Kelli.  Brenda and Turtle were married for 43 years until his passing.

Brenda worked for years at East Gate IGA until suffering a back injury which forced her back to school. After graduating from Montana Tech's vocational technical program, Brenda worked for the Atlantic Richfield Company until she retired to spend her glory years with Turtle.  The two never met an adventure they didn't like, whether it was snowmobiling in their younger years, camping, taking family vacations to Canada, or riding their Harley Davidson motorcycles.

One of Brenda's gifts was making you feel like your dreams were her dreams. She was up for any adventure, any idea, or any risk. She was also the MOST fun, being dubbed as "Fun Grandma".  One of her favorite words was the "F" word, and she took great pride making sure her grandchildren knew how to use it in the right context.  Brenda also loved the middle finger and flipped in generously to friend and foe.  Brenda used and liked it so much, her granddaughter Kayleigh, has her flipping the bird forever marked on their body in the form of a tattoo.  Brenda was really that much fun.

Brenda was also one of the most generous humans on earth, making sure all of her children and grandchildren didn't want for anything. We will forever have full cups that run over because of what Brenda offered and instilled in us.  She loved us with a love like no other.  She invested herself in her children and grandchildren and was truly their biggest supporter.

After Turtle's passing, Brenda continued on with such a strong resolve. She spent the next 10 years continuing to give of herself to her family, and taking care of her own mom, Joyce, until her passing at 92 years old.  Brenda was dealt a raw hand when it came to her health having suffered from Chron's disease, arthritis, connective tissue disorder, and more.  But Brenda was as "tough as an old goat" as Turtle would say, and managed her health the best way she could.  Brenda was a fighter through all her health struggles, but decided it was finally time to rest.

Brenda is survived by her daughter Robyn Fisher (John) of Kent, Washington, her son Sean Johnson (Jessica) of Spokane, Washington, and younger daughter Kelli Fivey (Robert) of Butte.  Brenda is also survived by her grandchildren Taryn Collins (Sam), Trey Fisher, Ava Johnson, Colt Johnson, Kayleigh Schutte (Emily), Kesley Fivey, Ashton Fivey, Tinsley Smith, Teagan Smith, and Landon Smith.  Brenda was also blessed with great-grandchildren Ezra and Amelia Collins who survive her and numerous nieces and nephews.

Brenda was predeceased by her parents Bill Little and Joyce (Little) Sayatovic, her father-in-law Nick Sayatovic, her brother Michael Little,  mother and father-in-law Al and Betty Johnson, and sister and brother-in-law Brian and Peggy Raymond.

Funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 24th, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church located at 2100 Farragut Avenue, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.

The family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Headwaters Hospice and Palliative Care for the exemplary care you showed to our dear Brenda during her final days.  Nurses Melinda and Jasmine-the love and care you gave to Brenda and support you gave to our family will forever be appreciated.  Not everyone can do this work, but both of you were the epitome of compassion and are true assets to your profession.

When we celebrate her life and memory, we'll make sure there are laughs, jokes, love, and of course the proverbial middle finger raised in her honor.  We'll make sure to drop a few "F bombs" and share stories about the indelible mark she left on our lives.

Give Turtle a big hug from all of us, we shall find some comfort knowing you are reunited once again.