Wilburta Z. Johnson

Wilburta Wood Johnson ("Burta") passed away on January 17, 2016, ten days after her 89th birthday and two days after splurging on Dungeness crab. She died peacefully, although heart-broken by the Seahawks loss. Burta was the youngest and last surviving of the nine children born to Walter and Grace Wood. She lived in Everett, Wash. throughout her life. She was the "tag-along" to her siblings, but developed a loving relationship that would continue throughout their lives. She graduated from Everett High School with the class of 1945 1/2. In 1951, she married Leroy "Bud" Johnson with whom she shared 52 years of happiness before his passing in 2003. Beginning in 1961, she worked for ten years as a bartender at the Pines Tavern (currently Buck's American Café). Burta was a busy and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. Many family holiday celebrations would begin around her table. Mom loved cooking. She prepared a feast for family and friends at every Thanksgiving until two years ago. A person has been treated cruelly if he or she has not enjoyed Mom's fried clams, potato or macaroni salad or her famous pies and cookies - too many to mention. Burta's summers centered around Tyee Beach at the south end of Camano Island. The modest, family-constructed cabin overflowed with relatives, friends, fish, clams, crab and lots of beer. With her sister Doris' cabin next door, brother Bob's nearby and niece Dolores' in-between, the family's wealth in joy and fellowship far exceeded the dreams of the daughter of a depression-era longshoreman. Burta belonged to Tulalip Council #11, Degree of Pocahontas, and spent 65 years as a member. She also was a life-time member of the VFW Auxiliary. Although the VFW's dance floor is quieter than in the past, it still resonates with the steps and turns as Burta and Bud danced smoothly around it. Burta was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bud; her oldest son, Brian Ambrose; and by her siblings: Cena, Effie, Doris, Archie, George, Ted, Bob and Bud. She is survived by daughter, Karen Adams (Jim); her son, Wayne Alkire (Gayle); son, Bud Alkire; and daughter-in-law Lynda Ambrose. She also leaves four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and nine nieces and nephews. Mom, Grandma, Auntie Burta-however we addressed you, it was with love, joy and thankfulness. Private burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Everett. A gathering to celebrate Burta's life will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the Pocahontas and Redmen Hall, 6814 Washington Street, in the Pinehurst area of Everett. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make a donation in Burta's memory to a charity or cause of their choice. A.B.T. (Anybody But Trump,) please.