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Doris Johnson Obituary

Doris Renz Johnson, 90, of Grand Junction, CO, died on March 31, 2017. Doris and her twin sister Dorothy "Dotte" Stolp were two of five children born in East Lansing, Michigan to William and Pearl Renz, all of whom have predeceased her. She passed away quietly in her sleep at the Mesa View retirement home. She is survived by son Norman (Wendy) Johnson and granddaughter, Annalaissa of Washington, DC; daughter Kimberly McGhee (Richard) of Eagle, CO; daughter Erin Johnson of Rico, CO; son Stewart (Mary) Johnson and granddaughters Danae and Raina (who just delivered a great-granddaughter, Juniper) of Stamford, VT; and her best friend, Ray Freeman of Grand Junction. Doris was a highly accomplished artist and designer. She graduated from Michigan State College (now Michigan State University) with a bachelor's degree in art. She and Dotte moved to southern California where they achieved some celebrity as marketing models for a manufacturer of twin ovens. After Dotte's marriage, Doris worked in Beverly Hills sewing for many famous actresses in the late 1940s. She married Eugene Johnson in 1953 and moved to Cortez, CO, where they raised their four children. During this time her design skills flourished. She designed and made clothing and jewelry, she created a loom and produced some beautiful weavings, and she drew up plans for homes, a motel, and a church in Cortez. She also created many works of art--mosaics, stained glass, and carvings--for churches and businesses in the Cortez area. She moved to Telluride, CO in 1973, then to Flagstaff, AZ in 1979, and finally settled in Grand Junction in 1994. She loved being outdoors and spent a great deal of time four-wheeling and hiking throughout the great American southwest, collecting ideas for her next artistic creations. Her family and friends miss her very much and celebrate her life by treasuring her art. Interment will be in the Glendale Cemetery in Okemos, MI, next to her beloved twin sister.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Journal on Apr. 3, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Doris Johnson

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Neil and Terri Jones

July 22, 2025

We are so sorrowed by your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.

Jim and Susan Casebeer

July 26, 2017

Loved Doris! My sister and brother in law Sandy and Lloyd Maher did too. He has a poster of Doris in his workshop on the ranch in Belgrade MT. We just re-read wonderful letters from her mentioning the wool we had mailed to her in Colorado for her weaving. Jim also remembers catching a porcupine in a 50 gallon garbage can - it really smelled awful but the two of them were able to remove the critter from her yard. She helped us shape the olive trees in our yard, served us baked garlic at tea time, and partied with the Cornishes and other friends in Flagstaff. Such fond memories. She was special and we send our sympathy to all of you. Your loss is our loss.

Sara McCabe

April 21, 2017

Kim, Norman, Erin - Your Mom was so full of energy and laughter. She always made me feel welcome and happy to be in your home. I enjoyed reading her obituary and learning of her life before Cortez. What an accomplished artist. Her legacy will live on through you!
Sara McCabe

Heidi Silver

April 9, 2017

I am so sorry to hear of Aunt Doris' passing!! I always loved her so. I'll always remember our crazy time in Jamaica and our interesting trip to China. She was such a hoot. Love you Aunt Doris! Thinking of you all- Norman, Kim, Stuart, and Erin and family during this sad time. Wish I saw you more often.

Michael and Debbie Higman

April 7, 2017

Sending thoughts and prayers to the Johnson family. Erin we are thinking of you in this time of loss. Kind Condolences, Michael and Debbie Higman

June Head

April 7, 2017

Norman, Kim, Stewart, Erin and families:
My thoughts are with you in the loss of your Mother. I know the family and her friends have many good memories of times past. Hopefully, these fond memories will comfort you at this time.
Gene and Doris were special to me and I appreciated their friendship all the years we were in Cortez.
June

Jane E Duncan

April 6, 2017

Remembering Doris from my childhood and hanging out at the Turquoise Motel with all the Johnson kids and my good friend Justin. Thinking of your family.
Jane Duncan (Jacobson)

Dante Montoya

April 5, 2017

Ms. Johnson, You had a Beautiful Life with much Peace, Creation, Enjoyment in a Wondrous Environment. Peace be with you in your Everlasting Life. I see you created Churches and designs in them as the Lord led you. Thus your now were the Lord led you. Pray for US in Peace. Amen

Theresa Maynes

April 5, 2017

Many of my happiest childhood memories include my sweet Aunt Doris. I am so grateful for our last visit. She was a creative, loving, beautiful and kind woman. She will be deeply missed.

Zea Beaver

April 5, 2017

Doris was such a good friend to my mother in Telluride. Such a vibrant lady. Blessings to you all.

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