"Marci" Johnson, 55, of Troy

“Marci” Johnson, 55, of Troy left home for her journey to another place on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013, in the loving arms of her family and friends, both two- and four-legged. She was born Feb. 28, 1958, in Parkersburg, W. Va., and was very proud of her Appalachian heritage which she credited with giving her deep roots, strong wings, and a loyal and tenacious spirit that no one or no thing could ever stifle.

Marci traveled to the Lincoln County area in 1995 on vacation with a friend, got stuck in road construction in the rain and when the sun came out there were two rainbows over the Kootenai River that crossed over the top of her car. She took it as a sign and she never looked back. She was living on her hilltop in Montana within a year and called it home ever since. Marci was previously employed by Medicine Tree Primary Care in Troy and later by the Lincoln County Public Health Department.

Gardening and being outdoors was her passion, especially growing her beloved Clematis. She was never happier than when her fingers were in the dirt. She loved the sunshine on her face and the breeze in her hair. She had a life-long love affair with the first ripe tomato from the garden and always ate it ritualistically on the porch in the sun with fresh basil, feta and olive oil. Marci despised phonies, had the spirit of a warrior when it was needed, and loved all that was real and true. She found and created beauty wherever she went and never failed to recognize and appreciate how blessed she had been. She loved her Appaloosa’s and Josie came back to carry her onto her next journey when she left this earth. She loved the mountains and always wanted to know what was on the other side. She loved full moons, twinkling starlight, all of nature and red boots.

She was preceded in death by her father Howard and twin siblings.

She is survived by her dear and loving husband David Johnson, her mother Shirley Shaffer, her brother Howard (Pug) Shaffer and wife Marie of Libby; and by a tremendous number of friends that were her extended family and they know who they are.

Life is stronger than death even though we can’t stop death from happening. But no matter how hard it tries, death can’t separate people from love and it can’t take away memories as long as you believe and Marcella believed. She never once faltered. At her request there will be no public service, but family and friends will hold a celebration of her life at a date to be announced. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home & Crematory in Libby.