Sally Marie Johnson, 61, of Montana City, passed away peacefully at home March 30. She was born in Billings to Alice (Collins) and Edwin Gilbert Johnson. She was raised on the family farm near Roberts and graduated from Roberts High School in 1970. As a youngster she excelled in 4-H, earning honors in livestock and livestock judging. She graduated from MSU in 1974, with a B.A. in history. She attended Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, receiving her J.D in 1978. She operated her own law practice in Red Lodge and in Billings from 1978 to 1990. She met her soul mate and future husband Dewey Steven Hall in Billings in 1983. Sally and Dewey were married in August 1994 in Helena. In September 1990, Sally joined the Department of Corrections in Helena as a staff attorney and was Deputy Director from 1991-1995. During that time she oversaw the opening of the Montana Women’s Prison in Billings. She later worked for the state DPHHS as a Manager of Emergency Preparedness 2002-2006 and for the past six years had been the Pro Se Law Clerk for the Montana Supreme Court, assisting self-represented litigants. Sally was selected as Judicial Branch employee of the year by the Court in 2010. Among her achievements there, she helped author the “Civil Appellate Handbook” with the Appellate Resources Task Force for the Montana Supreme Court in 2011. Sally was a fun-loving and giving person who juggled her career with caring for her elderly parents over the past decade. She loved cooking, entertaining and gardening and was widely known for creating unique culinary delights for special occasions among family and friends. Cats had a very special place in her life, including Harley, her most recent. She was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her husband Dewey, brothers and sisters-in-law Jerry and Kay (Joslin) Johnson, Conner; Tom and Kerry Johnson, Garfield, WA; nephews Scott Johnson, Helena; and Erik Johnson, Pullman, WA; cousins Sandy Barker, Carol Wester, Penny Redli, Jennie Stihl and John Collins. A Memoriam will be held at the Montana Supreme Court at a later date. Donations can be made in Sally’s name to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society.
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Pam Hunthausen says
Dewey, Sally’s family and friends ~
Such sad news of Sally’s passing, she was too young to die. I pray that Sally is in the loving arms of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Sally was a special, hard-working friend and coworker and she deserves recognition for all of her accomplishments. She was a caring and devoted woman and an accomplished attorney for the Montana Supreme Court and, prior to that position, in the legal field with other State agencies. Sally was always generous to share her delicious homemade treats with her coworkers and was quick to offer a deep, hearty laugh especially about her big cat, Harley. Sally had plans and dreams, like all of us; I hope she is finding rest and peace in Heaven. She will be missed.
Since no obituary is posted yet–I’m hoping there will still be one–may these few kind words be in her honor of a life well lived.
Pam Hunthausen
Helena
e a says
Our deepest sympathy to Sally’s family. She was a very special lady who loved her family dearly. I remember her in high school and also the many visits we had when she brought her parents in to the clinic where I worked. So very sorry for your loss.
Elta Ayre & family
Glenna Wortman-Obie says
We are stunned to hear this news. We have known Sally for almost 35 years–since she began her career in the Carbon County Attorneys office. In 1980 she and I were the finalists for the Business and Professional Women’s Club’s Young Career Woman of the Year. She won but so did I in getting to know her. She will be missed in our Montana. City neighborhood. Dewey, please call if there is any way we can help or stop by on your walk.
Dave Ohler says
Dewey
I am so sorry to hear about Sally. She was a wonderful, caring person. We had some great times working together at the Department.
Dave Ohler
Jim Obie says
Dewey:
I, like everyone else, have good thoughts about Sally. I always enjoyed working with her and keeping in contact and being neighbors for many years. She has a birthday in a few days so please stop over and we’ll have a toast to her and you.
Jim Obie
Dorothy McCarter says
To Sally’s family and friends, my deepest sympathies. She was a very special person and we will all miss her terribly.
Horning says
Dewey:
So sorry to hear the sad news about Sally. You both have a been terrific neighbors. Hold close to your heart the wonderful memories. Let us know what we can do in the coming weeks and months.
Paul and Deann Horning
Dewey says
1 file added to the album New Album Name
Dewey says
2 files added to the album New Album Name
Dewey says
Thank you!
Dewey says
Think you for your kind thoughts Judge!
Dewey says
Appreciate the thoughts Dave.
Dewey says
Thank you Glenna!
Dewey says
Thank you!
Dewey says
Thank you Pam!
Sandi Homan says
I’m so sorry to hear of Sally’s passing. I was her housemate when she was in law school. I always loved it when exam time came around because Sally would go into a frenzy of baking. Lemon meringue pies, pancakes, cookies would appear like magic. It was her way of dealing with the stress and certainly appreciated by me. She was one of a kind- vivacious and fun loving! I’m sure the world is a duller place without her in it. Sandi Homan Vancouver, Washington
Dewey says
Thank you Sandi! Sally was a very special person and we are all missing her. She still liked to bake!
Dewey