Neta Kay Johnson Legere

Neta Kay Johnson Legere was born on Aug. 18, 1945, and passed away peacefully at 1:15 p.m. on Oct. 7, 2023, at age 78, receiving the wings we already knew she had.

Kay had battled cancer with dignity, courage and amazing strength for 14 years. Rarely did she ever complain or not have a smile on her beautiful face. Kay’s concern was always for others. Kay was an exceptional wife and step mother. She cared deeply for her family, friends and neighbors.

All who knew her, loved her.

Kay was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and was later joined by younger brother Lee. She grew up as the daughter of Air Force officer Col. D. W. Johnson and mother Hazel, moving frequently from base to base in Texas and Oklahoma.

When Kay was 15 years old her father retired from the Air Force and the entire family moved to Arizona. There she attended Arcadia High School in Phoenix, Arizona then later earned a bachelors degree from Arizona State University in Business Administration.

Kay had a long, successful career with Franklin Life Insurance. She managed the regional office and assisted in developing and expanding the business for 23 years. Kay was a master seamstress who could design anything, including ballgowns. She owned and managed a high-end fabric shop in Scottsdale, Arizona’s famous tourist shopping district.

Years later she settled down in Libby, Montana where she enjoyed 17 and one-half years with Tungsten Holdings.

Kay loved RVing around the United States, nature walks, boating and spending time with her sweetie, Cliff. Moving to Libby, Montana was one of the highlights of Kay's life and where she called home. She loved peaceful moments in her backyard with views of the mountains, moose, elk, Cliff feeding the deer (shhhh don’t tell anyone), Bailey playing, and yes, even a bear sighting.

In 1989 Kay met Cliff in a Bible study at North Phoenix Baptist Church where they were both actively involved. They quickly developed a friendship and married soon after. Kay and Cliff shared a very happy and fulfilling life together that centered around the Lord. The Lord was their first love, and each other the second.

Kay and Cliff were the love of each other’s life and made sure the others' love cup was filled daily. They truly had a beautiful love story.

A service will be held at Faith Bible Church at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21.

Cliff and his daughter, Bonnie, would like to thank everyone for their help, comfort, support, kindness and prayers during Kay’s illness. Thank you for loving our sweet Kay.

The Moment That You Left Me

My heart split in two.

One side filled with memories,

the other side died with you.

I often lay awake at night when the world is fast asleep, and take a walk down memory lane with tears upon my cheek.

Remembering you is easy, I do it every day.

But missing you is a heartache that never goes away.

I hold you tightly within my heart and there you will remain.

You see life has gone on without you, but will never be the same.

Arrangements were under the care of the Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.