Debra Geddes Johanson, age 70, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, September 5, 2026.

Debra was born on July 9, 1956, in Preston, Idaho. She was the first of five children born to Dale and Jaqueline Geddes. She grew up in Murray, graduated from Murray High School, and attended Ricks College for one year. She met the love of her life and best friend, Robyn Johanson, while attending an institute class at the University of Utah. They were sealed for time and all eternity on September 13, 1976, 50 years ago, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, they raised six children—five girls and one boy—in Riverton, Utah, where they lived for 27 years.

Deb was known for her bubbly, optimistic, and witty personality. She had the ability to talk to anyone and everyone, find out where they were from, and discover how they were related. She was a woman of great faith and had a firm and abiding testimony of and love for our Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served in many callings throughout her life, with her favorite being the Primary chorister for a total of 26 years. Deb was also a member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers and served as captain twice. She loved her ancestors and pioneer heritage.

Deb’s greatest joy was being a homemaker and caring for her children and grandchildren despite her ongoing health challenges. At the age of 33, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She went on to undergo five brain surgeries, a C-section to deliver her sixth child, and a pulmonary embolism. She defied all odds and was a walking miracle, much like the strong and faithful women of her pioneer heritage. She had faith to move mountains and shared that faith with everyone she met.

Deb had many talents. She was a phenomenal cook and taught her girls well. She had an eye for fashion and decorating. She could shop for hours and loved the DI and antiques. She loved flowers and looked forward to planting them every year. She was a great seamstress and made blankets, costumes, and blessing and baptism dresses. She was a people person who made everyone feel loved. She had the soprano voice of an angel. She sang in many choirs and loved not only singing but also playing the piano. She always had a song for everything, and music was always heard playing in her home.

Once her children were grown, she worked at the Ranches Academy in the Special Education Department as an aide for four years. She then worked as a lunch lady for seven more years before retiring.

Deb and Rob were privileged to serve a mission in Spokane, Washington. They loved sharing the gospel, bringing others closer to Christ, and standing as witnesses at all times, in all things, and in all places. She loved the people she met and served there and stayed in touch with them and fellow missionaries.

Deb loved deeply. She saw the good in everyone, always stayed positive, and always forgave. She was a great example of what a disciple of Christ is. She will be truly missed by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jaqueline and Dale Geddes; her in-laws, Willard and Jean Johanson; and her baby boy, Richard.

She is survived by her husband, Rob Johanson; her children, Jackie (Shawn) Anderson, Jessica (Jake) Hoopes, Jonni (Eric) Andersen, Randy (Danette) Johanson, Jenny (Trevor) Smith, and Jane (Matt) McCandless; her siblings, Brent Geddes, Steven Geddes, Lori Pili, and Shelli Hilton; 21 grandchildren; and one great-grandson on the way.

Viewings will take place on:

Monday, September 14, 2026

7:00–9:00 p.m.

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

9:45–10:45 a.m.

Eagle Mountain Stake Center

9634 N. Duggan Dr., Eagle Mountain, Utah 84005

Funeral services will be held:

Tuesday, September 15, 2026,

At 11:00 a.m.

Eagle Mountain Stake Center

9634 N. Duggan Dr., Eagle Mountain, Utah 84005

Interment will follow at:

Saratoga Springs Cemetery

1508 Prairie Dr., Saratoga Springs, Utah 84043

We would like to give special thanks to the many nurses and facilities that cared for Deb during the past few months, and especially to Scott and Danika from Sequoia Hospice, who took great care of her during the last few weeks of her life.