Ellen Viola Johnson-Kempa

Ellen Viola Johnson-Kempa was born in Big Timber, Montana to Sigard and Berget Johnson. She grew up in Virginia City and Neihart Montana with her siblings, Joan and Carl. Ellen had plenty of time to explore the mountains where she took great solace at times, having lost her father at a very young age. Ellen had many talks with God there. Her childhood friends from Neihart remain friends to this day. Ellen’s talents were many; she was a jack of all trades. Ellen worked as a beautician until she married Daniel Kempa. The two of them were married for 30 years. Ellen’s three children, Sonja, Krissy and Bucky were her greatest joy. She was a stay-at-home mom who was always available to listen, wipe away our tears, and laugh with. She had an excellent sense of humor and enjoyed laughing at life’s little jokes. She loved animals and gardening and became an adept wildlife artist very quickly. Her artist’s eye was always at work. She also loved her grandchildren so very much and spent time with them as often as possible. She loved her Savior and her country and felt blessed to be exactly where she was in spite of having health problems. Ellen had a grateful heart and found joy in the later part with her sweet dog, Salah. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by loving friends and family including children, Sonja and former son-in-law, Bob Nelson, Kristine (Michael) Richardson,and Daniel “Bucky” (Carolyn) Kempa; grandchildren, Daniel “Danny” Nelson, Katy Kempa and Jake Kempa, Steven Richardson, Sarah Richardson, and Michael (Jessica) Richardson; and two great-grandchildren, William and Tucker Richardson.