Marie R Johnson

Marie R. Johnson, age 98, was peacefully called home to the Lord on January 15, 2026. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Marie passed away at home, exactly where she wished to be, surrounded by her loving family and her cherished cat, Mimi. Her long life was marked by deep faith, quiet strength, and unwavering love.

Born on June 17, 1927, Marie—Mary Barbara Clara Rudolph—was the only child of Anna Marie Barbara (Lorich) Rudolph (1897–1987) and Michael Ludwig (Louis) Rudolph (1898–1969). Before marriage, Marie worked as a bookkeeper, bringing diligence and care to all she did.

She married William David Van Cleef, and together they made their home in New York, where they welcomed daughters Judith (Judy), Christine (Tina), Marie Victoria (Vicki), and sons William (Bill), Stanley (Stan), Thomas (Tom), and Christopher (Chris). The family later moved to Pennsylvania, where son Michael and daughter Maureen were born. Marie was widowed in 1967.

In 1971, she married Louis Wesley Smith, and in 1973 they relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada with children Tom, Chris, Michael, and Maureen. She was widowed again in 1983.

In 1985, Marie met Wilho Erick Johnson at a church dance, and they married in 1989. Marie was widowed for the third time in 2012.

She was preceded in death by her beloved sons Christopher (1957–2008) and Thomas (1956–2020), granddaughter Veronica (1982–2019), and grandson Michael (1987–2023).

Marie lived her faith daily. A devout Catholic, she was deeply committed to prayer, service, and her parish community. She volunteered faithfully at her local church and was an active member of the Women’s Society, offering her time and talents with humility and devotion. Her faith was a source of strength through life’s joys and sorrows, and she trusted firmly in God’s promise of eternal life.

Retired for many years, Marie found joy in traveling, gardening, and needlework. She was an exceptional seamstress, creating many beautiful pieces of needlework art that reflected her patience, creativity, and care. One of her greatest pleasures was tending her garden and sitting quietly in the sunshine, grateful for God’s creation. She also had a lifelong love of blueberries, a simple pleasure she enjoyed from childhood to her final years. Strong-willed, independent, and deeply loving, Marie was a steady presence and guiding light to her family.

Marie is survived by her children Judy, Tina, Vicki, Bill, Stan, Michael, and Maureen; 20 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Mom, the world feels quieter without you, but your love echoes in our hearts forever. —You are home with the lord, now resting in God’s eternal peace.

“The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.”

— Wisdom 3:1

Marie will be laid to rest at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, located at 1900 Veterans Memorial Drive, Boulder City.