Myrtle Marie Johnson Neal

Our beautiful mother, Myrtle Marie Johnson Neal, passed away August 14, 2024 at Maple Springs in North Logan, Utah.

Myrtle was born to David H. and Loretta Berberich Johnson. She and her three sisters were raised on a farm in Southwestern Minnesota. Myrtle married Darwin A. Neal in 1949. They resided in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota until 1960, when Darwin was transferred to Smithfield, Utah for his employment with Del Monte Corporation.

Myrtle and Darwin loved Utah. Many weekends were spent on long Jeep rides exploring the beautiful mountain back roads, picnicking, hunting and camping with their four children. Myrtle loved Bear Lake and relaxing in the sun. She enjoyed the arts, creating cherished memories by attending ballet and symphony performances in Salt Lake City with her daughter and granddaughters. Myrtle also loved to travel. She visited Paris, Mexico, The Bahamas and Hawaii, and was always up for a trip to Las Vegas or Wendover. After retirement, she enjoyed daily walks in the Smithfield City Cemetery, maintaining this routine until she was ninety, when she moved to Maple Springs Assisted Living. 

As a dedicated member of the Presbyterian Church, Myrtle had served as a Deacon. She volunteered many hours at Logan Regional Hospital in the gift shop. Some might remember her as the pretty, dark-haired lady who managed the China and Gifts Department at ZCMI.

One of Myrtle’s greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, enjoying sleepovers and teaching them to play Kings in a Corner. Her son Gary visited most mornings, sharing coffee and a sweet roll, and her grandchildren were attentive and visited often.

Myrtle was a loving Mother to: Gary (Sherrie) Neal of Smithfield, Richard R. Neal of Logan, and Kayla (Corey) Nielsen of Hyrum. Her grandchildren include Lisa, Christa, Brandon, Ryan, Cody, Catherine, Alexandra, Kristina, Kara, Casey and Gentry, along with numerous great and great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Darwin; her son, David; her sisters, Lois, Darlene and Margie and an infant sister; as well as her daughters in law, Cheryl Neal and Scotty Neal.

Our family wishes to thank the staff at Maple Springs and Intermountain Hospice for their kindness and loving care of our mother.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, August 20 at 12 noon at the Smithfield City Cemetery (300 E Center St.). Friends are invited to attend the graveside and share photos/memories online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com