5 Jan 1914 – 29 Dec 2004
2nd Great Granddaughter of Philip Cardon and Martha Marie Tourn
Great Granddaughter of Jean Paul Cardon and Susannah Goudin
Granddaughter of Joel Edward Ricks and Susette Cardon
Daughter of William Henry Larsen Sr. and Rhea Ricks
Cora Larsen Johnston, 90, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2004, after living with Parkinson’s disease and dementia for many years.
Cora was born Jan. 5, 1914, to William Henry and Rhea Ricks Larsen, in the family home in Logan, Utah. She was the third of six children. As a child, she would spend the summers with her family on the family ranch in Petersboro. She had many happy memories of those days, including hearing her father play the violin in the evenings, and of surprises for the family on Saturday nights.
She graduated from Logan High School then attended Utah State Agricultural College and graduated in 1935 with a degree in home economics. She taught school at Wellsville Jr. High in Wellsville, Utah. During these years, she helped to care for her two younger sisters and a brother.
In 1943, following a trip to California, she decided to stay in the San Francisco area where she worked as a secretary. During this time, she met Thomas D. Johnston. After they became engaged, Tom was hired as general superintendent with Pan Pacific Construction Company in Panama. The next year, Cora traveled to Panama where they were married on May 3, 1947.
Upon their return from Panama, they lived in Richmond, Calif., EI Paso, Texas, and then settled in San Francisco, where they lived for 25 years. She worked as a secretary for more than 30 years. Tom and Cora’s home was a welcome spot for friends and families throughout the years.
In the years after Tom’s retirement, they became involved in gem and mineral shows, making beautiful jewelry and traveling to many areas to display and sell supplies and equipment. After Cora retired in 1978, they moved to Calistoga, Calif., where they lived for eight years. Following Tom’s death in 1986, Cora moved to Logan to live with her sister, Claire (Bob) Hammond.
Cora enjoyed traveling to various countries and states, visiting Alaska, England and Scotland with family. She also visited the New England states and California with friends.
She had many hobbies, and her hands were never idle. Playing the organ, crocheting, knitting, creating holiday ideas and sharing with others brought her great delight.
She was also an active member of the LDS Church and was a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers.
Cora was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas D. Johnston; brothers, Paul and William Larsen; and sisters, Rhea Maughan and Marian Crockett. She is survived by her sister, Claire Hammond of Logan. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at noon on Monday, Jan. 3, at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 E. Center in Logan. Friends and family called from 10:30 to 11 :30 a.m., prior to the services. Burial was at the Logan City Cemetery.
The family is grateful to the nurses, aides and staff of Sunshine Terrace, who cared for her with such compassion for several years.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution in her name to the Sunshine Terrace Foundation or a charity of choice.
1947 Wedding Photo of Cora and Tom
Cora Larsen
Funeral Program
Logan City Cemetery, Logan, Utah
