Obituary of Martha Kay Johnson

Martha Kay Johnson (72) long-time resident of Clarkia, ID, died December 10, 2016 at her home in Clarkia. She was born May 24, 1944 to Roscoe and Wilma (Robbins) Norton in Fernwood, ID. Martha grew up in Clarkia and attended school thru the 8th grade. She lived with her parents until 1963 when she married Russell Barnes in Deary, ID. The couple had two children Russell and Mic, and the marriage ended in divorce. Martha met Larry Johnson at the Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Clarkia. They were married February 27, 1970 in Coeur d’ Alene, ID. Martha and Larry made their home in Clarkia and had a daughter Sheila. In 1985 the family moved to Darby, MT. Larry died in 1989 and after his death Martha returned to Clarkia. In 1990 she met John Sexton, and they shared their life together in Clarkia for 20 years. Martha enjoyed drinking Pepsi Cola. She loved taking long walks, playing rummy (beating her family at rummy), dancing, and listening to music. She also enjoyed her jewelry collection given to her by her family. Martha is survived by her companion John Sexton of Clarkia; her sons Mic Barnes of Harvard, ID and Russell (Misti) Barnes of Billings, MT; daughter Shiela (Howard) Pegg of Hamilton, MT; step-daughters, Angie (Ralph) Shineflew of Fernwood, ID, Georgia (Doug) Beck of Conklin Park, ID, and June (Dave) Beyer of Bovill, ID; and step-son Cliff (Lisa) Sexton of Williston, ND. Also surviving are her brother Ted (Babe) Norton of Harvard, ID and sisters Holly (Scott) Fields of Kittitas, WA, Sandy Startcher of Julietta, ID and Vinnie (Vern) Jorgensen of Fernwood, ID. Martha is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by sisters Kathy Bailey and Mona Rupel. A celebration of her life will be held in the spring of 2017 at a date and time to be announced.