May 16, 1931 — September 15, 2023 (age 92)
Our amazing mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Alva Aluna Hunt Johnson, was born to Edward Lorin Hunt and Alvaretta Jones on May 16, 1931, in Enterprise, Utah. She was the second of their six children. Alva was raised there in Enterprise where summers were filled with work on the family farm and in the surrounding potato fields; winters were filled with reading every printed word she could find.
Alva excelled in school and graduated as high school class valedictorian. Her dreams of a world beyond her hometown were enabled by the kind and life-altering actions of her high school English teacher. This dedicated educator surprised Alva with the news of a scholarship to University of Utah—which changed the entire course of her life. She moved to Salt Lake City, earned a bachelor's degree in dietetics and nutrition from U of U, and did an internship at the VA Hospital in New York City. After graduation Alva taught nutrition to nursing students at BYU. She earned money during the summers working at Bryce Canyon with her best friend, Mary Helen Tweedie, whom Alva always just called by her marvelous last name.
Tweedie lined up a blind date for Alva for USU’s homecoming dance in October 1954 with Carl Johnson. Alva did NOT want to go, but acceded to Tweedie’s pleading. Alva and Carl continued to date through the winter, traveling back and forth between Salt Lake City and Logan to see each other. Alva liked Carl well enough, but was concerned that he was too staid. Carl’s silly singing finally won her over and they got engaged in the spring of 1955, and then married in the St. George Temple on June 18, 1955.
Alva and Carl started their family while living in the Uintah Basin where Carl worked as a teacher and school principal. Four children were born during their years in Vernal, Roosevelt, and Duchesne. The family moved to North Logan, Utah, in 1962, and three more children brought the total to seven. Alva and Carl sank their roots deep, never moving from the home they built on land that had been homesteaded by Carl’s maternal grandparents.
Alva worked to create a home and life for her family that fostered health and wellness. Her creativity and training in nutrition led her to invent many recipes that are family favorites. Her creativity also led to some decided non-favorites, but the entire family nevertheless would wisely pronounce her to be the best cook ever. Alva’s attention was often diverted from the oven at critical times during meal preparation, and a shouted “Oh, foot!” was the signal that dinner would have a generous layer of char. Alva was a skilled culinary artist, however, and her cardamom bread and toffee are simply the best versions ever made.
Alva’s joy in horticulture was evidenced in her beautiful yard. She grew interesting and abundant varieties of flowers to ornament her home, and also to create glorious bouquets for church meetings. As she toiled in her yard, she aimed for the Garden of Eden. Her children assisted by providing actual serpents.
Alva had a deep and abiding love for the great outdoors with Tony Grove and Zion Canyon as particular favorites. She always hiked with a bird book and a wildflower book. She could cook amazing camp breakfasts, and then thoroughly wash up pans that were used for cooking bacon and pancakes with only a few tablespoons of water. Alva most enjoyed trekking to backwoods locations, so her pans were also used as percussion instruments to scare off bears.
Alva was an avid reader and her favorite way to de-stress was through long soaks in the bathtub with a book. She supplemented the family income by making quilts, running a preschool, and working as a reading aide and special education aide for the Cache County School District. After their children were raised, Alva and Carl served many years as temple workers and served a mission together to Toronto, Canada.
Alva experienced a clear understanding and spiritual witness of her own premortal existence at a very young age. This knowledge served as a springboard for a life centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ. She cherished her role and membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She served her family and community throughout her life, endeavoring to bring the love of the Savior to everyone she encountered.
Alva was incredibly resilient, determined, and resourceful. She was an especially hard worker and was fiercely independent. She had great confidence in her children and grandchildren and encouraged them to be diligent and always work toward improvement. She was a force of nature and once she decided to do something, she finished it! These traits are cherished and remain an inspiration and legacy to all who knew and loved her.
Alva passed away in her home in North Logan, Utah. She was preceded in death by her husband Carl Johnson, and siblings Eldon Hunt and Lorin Hunt.
Alva is survived by her siblings LaRue Hunt Dannelly, Jay Hunt, Zola Hunt, and by her children: Miles Johnson (Jensine), Joyce Johnson Smart (Larry), Suzanne Johnson Hollowell, Eric Johnson (Maria), Reese Johnson (Rajeana), Alene Johnson Corbridge (Danny), Valerie Johnson Wallis (Eric), 26 grandchildren, and 46 great-grandchildren
The family would like to offer special thanks to Nancy and Lexie from hospice. She loved them so much and they made her laugh.
A viewing will be held Friday September 22, 2023, at 6-8 pm at Allen Mortuary of North Logan, 420 E. 1800 N., North Logan, Utah.
Funeral services will be held Saturday September 23 at 12:00 pm at the North Logan First Ward meetinghouse, 1105 E. 2100 N, with a viewing
beforehand at 10:30-11:30 am.
Funeral services will be live-streamed and can be viewed at www.allenmortuaries.com.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at Allen Mortuaries.