Lori Kendall Johnson

Lori Kendall Johnson (68) a long time Missoula resident joined the Lord on May 19, 2025, after a valiant battle with cancer. Lori was born on December 27, 1956, in San Bernardino, CA to Franklin and Esther Kendall. At a very young age, her dad nicknamed her “Punkin” and the nickname stuck throughout her childhood and early adult years by her family and close friends.

Lori was raised in Missoula, where she attended Emma Dickenson elementary, and she graduated from Hellgate High school in 1975. Upon graduating, her first job was in food service, and she decided it was not her calling. She showed interest in the medical field, and in March of 1979 she earned her LPN diploma from the Missoula Technical Center. Later that year, a stellar career opportunity came along to work as a pharmacy technician at Community Medical Center in Missoula. She was very committed to her work at the pharmacy as she stayed with them for over 49 years! She worked very hard and was known by her co-workers for her diligence and strong work ethic. Education was a top priority to her and she always strived to achieve her goals and be self-reliant.

Highlights of Lori’s younger life include a deep-sea fishing trip to Seattle, WA with her cousins. Yes, she caught some monster size fish! She also recalled fond memories of taking road trips with family and friends to LA or Seattle. Lori’s favorite holiday was Christmas and she always looked forward to seeing family during Christmastime or during the summer at the Buffalo Range or Dixon Melon Days.

In 1985, she married Dave Johnson and from this union, they were blessed with a baby girl (Andrea) who filled their hearts with joy. Lori was a loving, caring mother who always made sure Andrea had all she needed and more! Lori enjoyed family outings for meals in restaurants or out shopping with Andrea. Several years later, Lori and Dave parted ways but remained civil.

In her later years she made lots of special memories during visits with Andrea, her son in law Zach and the apple of her eye, her granddaughter, Brooklyn. They had a lot of fun in Missoula exploring the Carousel and the kids’ area of the library. She also made a few trips to Texas where they visited various towns and attractions. Lori loved spending time with family, picnics in the park and Big Dipper ice cream with Brooklyn.

Lori was preceded in death by her grandparents Olga Gould, Christina and Carl Dering, parents Franklin and Esther Kendall, siblings Carol Nash, Lewis Kendall, Colleen Anderson (Michael) sister in law Sue Dietz, two nephews Brian Dietz, Christopher Hiday, several cherished aunts, uncles and cousins along with three “furry kids” Kitty, Houston and Checkers.

Survivors include her daughter, Andrea (Zach) Taube and granddaughter Brooklyn Taube of Little Elm, TX. Andrea’s father, Dave Johnson also in TX, Johnson family members at multiple locations and two brothers Virgil Dietz of Cedar Rapids, IA and Russell (Sun) Dietz of Las Vegas, NV. Her sister, Valerie (Tim) Hiday of Polson, MT as well as nephew Brandon (Trish) Hiday of Olney, MT along with several special nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and co-workers.

Lori is forever in our hearts and is deeply missed by all who knew her. The family would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support at this difficult time. Your prayers, phone calls, visits, cards and flowers are very much appreciated.