Joni J. Johnson, 79, of Clarkston, Washington, and formerly of Orofino, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, at Prestige Care and Rehabilitation in Lewiston, Idaho. Born on May 7, 1946, in New Hampton, Iowa, to Joseph Charles Newell and Gloria M. Bruns, Joni lived a vibrant life filled with love, faith, and dedication to her family.
Joni’s childhood was shaped by her father’s telecommunications career, which took the family to various locations across the United States and abroad. As a teenager, she lived in Guam and Bangkok, where she attended high school, embracing diverse cultures and experiences. She later worked at an ammunition depot in Texarkana before settling in Washington, where she built her life with her four children and her beloved husband, Donald Johnson.
Known for her strong work ethic, Joni spent many years at the Mossyrock Medical Clinic in Mossyrock, Washington, working alongside her brother, Dr. Dick Newell. She often stayed late into the evening, ensuring every patient was cared for and paperwork was complete, reflecting her deep commitment to her community.
Joni lived with fierce devotion to her family, her feisty spirit, sharp sense of humor, honesty, and unwavering love defining her. She was a constant presence at her children’s sporting events, cheering them on with boundless enthusiasm and pride. For 40 years, she and Donald built a life together rooted in love, faith, and family, spending the last 15 years of their retirement in Clarkston, Washington, before moving to Orofino in 2024.
She is survived by her husband, Donald Johnson, the love of her life; children Sonny (Becky) Butler, Stacey (Cassidy) Garner, and Heather (Chris) Caywood; stepchildren Penny (James) Kaech, Tina (Tony) Kaech, Hoss (Julie) Johnson, Michael (Kat) Johnson, and Tiffany Johnson; her sister, Judie (Richard) Mikesell; her brother, Dick (Kathy) Newell; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joni was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Charles Newell and Gloria M. Bruns, and her beloved daughter, Casey Butler.
A celebration of Joni’s life will be held in the spring, once her memorial is placed, allowing family and friends to gather and honor her memory. She will be laid to rest at Doss Cemetery in Mossyrock, Washington, beside her daughter Casey.
Joni’s love and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She is now reunited with her daughter Casey in the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
