Paula Reese Johnson, nee Clayton, entered fully into the presence of the Lord on April 16, 2023. She was 75. 

Born April 1, 1948, to the late Warren and Lois Clayton of Long Beach, Calif., and then Burns. Growing up Paula attended school in Burns where she played volleyball, ran track, and was the pitcher on her High School softball team. She loved school, was at the top of her class, and spent summers cutting hay in Frenchglen, She loved growing up on her family’s ranch with her sisters Linda, Donna, and Margee.  

Paula married Burnell Johnson in Alhambra, Calif., on April 23, 1966. They raised their eight children to know and love the Lord in Hacienda Heights, Calif., until they retired to Tumalo, in 2002. Alongside Burnell, she lived a beautiful love story full of adventure and cherished memories. One of her favorite memories was their Anniversary trip to England.

Paula enjoyed reading her bible, traveling with her husband, her relationships with her children, grandchildren, and sisters, flowers, painting, cardmaking, yardwork, games, correspondence, tea parties, watching her grandchildren perform music and compete in sporting events, and being present for weddings, showers, and births. She loved coming back to her hometown to cheer at football games. Her husband and family were second only to her Lord and Savior.  

Paula was generous with her home opening it up for everything from fellowship, showers, holidays, parties, and wrestling teams. She was admired for her grace, godly walk, kindness, and wisdom.  She loved deeply and generously.  She was most proud of her family.

Paula is survived by her husband, Burnell, one week shy of 57 years; children, Warren and (Sherri) Johnson, Carrie and (Kent) Estell, Chad and (Jenise) Johnson, David and (Jodi) Johnson, Dwight and (Marilee) Johnson, Carla and (Rudy) Booher, Naomi and (Derrick) Clark, and Wade and (Joscelyn) Johnson; fifty grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sisters, Donna Clayton Blain and Margee Dysart; and many nieces and nephews. She left an enduring legacy of faith.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 18550 Walton Road, Bend, Oregon 97703