Leah Rae Johnson passed away in Plano, Texas on May 21, 2016 at the age of 77.
Leah is predeceased by her father, Ruebuck McInelly, mother, Alice McInelly, and daughter, Melani Corrine Padilla.
Leah is survived by Neil Johnson, her loving husband of 49 years. They were married in Tacoma, WA on July 1, 1967. Employment transfers took them to Spokane, WA, Kirkland, WA, Wheatridge, CO, and Anaheim, CA, before they settled in Allen, TX in 1982.
Leah is lovingly remembered by her children, Keven Johnson and his wife Katrina Johnson of Van Alstyne, TX, Janelle Johnson Hyde of Fairview, TX, Rebecca Hiza of Coeur d’Alene, ID, and her grandchildren, Kayla Brazeal, Bronwyn Brazeal, McInelly (Elly) Hyde, Gemma Johnson, Rylan Johnson, and Samantha Padilla. She is also survived by her siblings, Steve McInelly of Pinetop, AZ, Jeanie Standley of Los Alamos, NM, and V. Don McInelly of Scottsdale, AZ.
Leah was born in Shelley, ID on August 6, 1938. She graduated from Riggins High School in 1956 and went on to attend Multnomah School of the Bible (Multnomah University).
Leah had an enduring passion for sharing Christ with others and a strong commitment to local and worldwide missions and the training of young people for the work of ministry. Leah was heavily involved in teaching Bible classes for children, the Angel Tree program, and also ministering with Kairos Outside North Texas. Nothing brought her more joy than music. She was an accomplished vocalist and often sang solos and also duets with Neil. After her marriage to Neil, they enjoyed traveling the world together, and touring the country on their Honda Goldwing motorcycle. For many years, Leah was a respected rabbit breeder in Texas, ranked #1 in Texas and #4 nationally. She earned the nickname “The Rabbit Lady” amongst those in her community. She enjoyed spinning angora wool and knitting beautiful sweaters and berets. One of her favorite places to escape was to a house she and Neil purchased on Lake Cypress Springs in Scroggins, TX. In recent years, she enjoyed vacationing with Neil in Northern Idaho and visiting close friends in her favorite part of the country, Spokane, WA.
The memorial service will be held in the chapel at Rustic Grace Estate, 13299 FM 121, Van Alstyne, TX, 75495 on June 13, 2016, at 2:00 pm with Reverend Kirk Taylor officiating. A reception will take place in the event barn immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, at Leah’s request, memorial donations may be made to Multnomah University. The university has set up a memorial fund in Leah’s name. All contributions will be designated for student aid, per her request. There are three ways to send a memorial gift:
1) Check made payable to Multnomah University. Please write “Leah Johnson Memorial” in the memo section.
2) Go to www.multnomah.edu/donate. Choose “other” on the giving type in the drop down menu, and type “Leah Johnson Memorial” into the memo field. Complete the online process per instructions.
3) Text “Multnomah” to the following number: 77977. You will be walked through the giving process. When asked for “giving type” choose “other” and note “Leah Johnson Memorial.”
Condolences for the family may be offered online at www.rememberingleah.com.