January 6, 1949 – June 14, 2024
Susan Pearl (Zufelt) Johnston was born January 6, 1949, to Lea and Doyle Zufelt in Bluff, Utah. Susan was the third of six children born to Lea, and later welcomed six half-siblings born to Doyle. She lived in Bluff until the age of 8 when she and her family moved to Moab.
Susan lived in Moab all through school and, not long after graduating high school, she married Robert William Johnston and traveled with him in the Navy. She lived in many places during that time, including Seattle, Illinois and Japan.
After Robert’s enlistment ended, they moved back to Moab and started their lives in Castleton. Susan was a stay-at-home mom to her three children: Tim, Jennifer and Matt. She was a hard worker who helped build their beautiful home, where she raised her family next door to her in-laws. She learned countless homesteading skills from them, including gardening, quilting and canning food. She taught these skills to her children and many other friends and family throughout her life.
Susan and Robert divorced and, years later, she married Jon Scott Johnston on June 25, 1994. Scott helped raise Matt and was like a father to Susan’s other two children. During their almost 30 happy years together, they owned and operated the Speed Queen Laundromat in Moab. Susan made many friends from all over the world during this time and was a much-loved figure in the community. They closed the business in 2016 and retired together to their home.
Susan spent the last years of her life enjoying their beautiful property with Scott and spending time with her children, grandchildren and friends. Susan was an adored mother, wife, grandmother, and friend who will be deeply missed. She will be remembered for more things than we could ever list, some of which include her beautiful handmade quilts, her large garden she tended for many years, her quick wit and hilarious stories, her strong will and ability to speak her mind, and most importantly, her heart and home that were open to anyone who needed it.
She is preceded in death by her father, Doyle; her mother, Lea; her sister, Dixie; her brother, Kenny; and her beloved sons, Tim and Matt.
She is survived by her adored husband, Scott; her daughter, Jennifer (Vance); grandchildren, Maggie and Wyatt; her daughter-in-law, Taylor (Mike); grandchildren Neveah, Ashlyn, Brynlee, Conner, and Skylar; her sister Linda, brothers Bob and Gary, and brother-in-law Lloyd; her half-brothers and -sisters, and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life to honor Susan was held on Thursday, June 20 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family would request donations be made to help with funeral expenses. Donations can be sent to Spanish Valley Mortuary by mail to 386 N 100 W, Moab, Utah 84532, or by phone to 435-259-3980.
