Linda Kay Johnson

Linda Kay Johnson, a beloved community member and devoted friend, passed away on February 21, 2025. She was born on December 9, 1958, in Salem, Oregon to Wallace and Kathryn Johnson. She was the third child and only daughter, growing up in a very close knit family that included her brothers James and Dennis.

Linda grew up in the rural, northeast Salem area where her family operated a farm involving apples and cherries and later hazelnuts. Her time there nurtured a deep love for nature and especially animals. She attended Hayesville Elementary School, Waldo Junior High School and graduated from McNary High School in 1977. She went on to attend Oregon State University and graduated from Bassist Fashion Institute.

After graduation she worked in fashion related retail management for many years in Salem, Anchorage Alaska, Seattle Washington, Astoria and the greater Portland area. She was working at the Oregon Department of Transportation when she passed.

Linda’s passion for sewing, decorating, cooking and baking brought joy to everyone around her, a tradition passed down from her upbringing. Her dinner parties were legendary and looked forward to by family and friends. Taking after her mother, Linda also loved gardening.

Linda was an active participant in her community, always ready to lend a helping hand and share her love for family. She spent many years caring for her aging mother and making every effort to spoil her nephews and great nieces. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

She is survived by her brother, James, nephews, Matthew and Joseph and grandnieces Lauren and Hannah.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 1st, at 11 a.m. at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Services in Salem, Oregon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Union Gospel Mission (UGM), Salem, Oregon.