Gayla Johnson

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Obituary

Gayla (Miller) Johnson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, passed away peacefully on the evening of January 4, 2026, in Provo, Utah, at the age of 71.

Gayla was born on February 14, 1954, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Lynn and Margene Miller. During her childhood, her family relocated to Arvada, Colorado, where she graduated from Arvada West High School. She later returned to Utah to attend Brigham Young University, earning a degree in Home Economics in 1978.

It was during her college years that Gayla met the love of her life, David Johnson. They were married for time and all eternity on June 19, 1975, in the Salt Lake City Temple. Together, they built a life centered on faith and family, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in 2025. They were blessed with five children who became the center of Gayla’s world.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gayla gave generously of her time and talents throughout her life. She served faithfully in many callings and shared her gift of music as a pianist, including playing in several LDS temples. Her faith and love of music guided her service and the way she lived.

She had a lifelong love of teaching children, serving for many years as a substitute teacher in the Alpine School District and as a teacher’s assistant at Snow Springs Elementary in Lehi. For nearly three decades, she also taught piano lessons, patiently nurturing confidence and a love of music in countless youth within her community.

Gayla’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her beloved husband, David Johnson, and their five children: Brian Johnson (Amanda), Jennifer Beheshti (Mike), Annaliese McLean (Carson), Jared Johnson (Meagan), and Natalie Semanek (Wyatt). Her 15 grandchildren were the light of her life, and she delighted in every opportunity to be with them. She is also survived by her siblings, Kent, Paul, Lynda, and Layne.

Known for her gentle spirit, Gayla was incredibly kind, social, and interested in others. She never spoke unkindly, treasured lifelong friendships, and formed new ones wherever she went. Many will remember her standing in the doorway, with a big smile and her signature finger wave goodbye as they departed her home.

Like family, nature was a source of constant joy for Gayla. She appreciated the beauty of the mountains, the trees, and the night sky. Whether it was hiking, camping, or spending summer days with her family at Bear Lake, she loved being outdoors.

Family gatherings were a highlight of her life, as she cherished the moments spent surrounded by loved ones. Gayla's warm, approachable nature made her a beloved friend to many; she had a unique ability to engage in conversation, share a laugh, and make connections with those she encountered.

In her final weeks, Gayla faced her health challenges with remarkable strength and grace. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the many nurses, doctors, and staff members at Utah Valley Hospital, particularly those in the ICU, for their compassionate care and kindness.

Gayla will be remembered for her love of family, her faith, and incredibly kind heart. She touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

Timeline

Gallery

Memory Wall

January 12, 2026

Sweet Gayla has been our neighbor since we moved into the neighborhood over 13 years ago. She always told me how happy it made to see my boys out riding their bikes and scooters and playing basketball in the driveway, which she could see from her front window. One of my favorite experiences with Gayla was riding together with her and my oldest son to play prelude together at the Saratoga Springs Temple Open House. She pointed out places along the way of houses that used to be the ward, where she would visit teach, and do service picking up rocks on Church property. Even when she was in extreme pain in the hospital, Gayla was gracious and grateful. She was cheerful and generous with her compliments, always telling me what great boys we have. My youngest was blessed to have Dave and Gayla as his Primary teachers. We will forever love Dave and Gayla and appreciate them as sweet and gentle neighbors. We feel her void on our street already.

Monica Dickinson

January 12, 2026

Many Relief Society meetings and church events were enriched through Gayla's talents. May your find peace and comfort as
a family. God bless.

Reta Simmons

January 11, 2026

Dave & Gayla are our next door neighbors. When we moved in to our house, they were the first to come over and welcome us to the neighborhood. As others have said before, Gayla was always so sweet and kind and I don't think I ever heard her say anything mean. She was always bringing treats and things to our house and was very sweet to my grandkids who live with us and took piano lessons from her. I will miss Gayla and her sweet Spirit.

Terri Fisher

January 10, 2026

Gayla was one of the first people that greeted me and my young family when we moved into her neighborhood in late 2002.
Over the years, she served in many callings where she interacted regularly with my family. I observed that she was always so sweet, kind and patient and never missed an opportunity to help us feel of our Saviors love through her. A couple years ago she and Dave taught a primary class the same time as my 2 adult sons and it was sweet to observe her encouraging and optimistic interactions with them each week as they sought to love the kids in their respective classes. In all of my years of knowing her, I never once heard a discouraging word or anything that wasn’t full of optimism, hope and compassion. I am grateful for the privilege of being able to call her a friend. We offer our gratitude and heartfelt condolences to her family.

Mel Lemmon

January 8, 2026

I worked with Gayla for several years while she served as an aide in my special education classroom. She was remarkably dedicated and loving with each child, offering special attention to those who needed it most. Gayla had a unique ability to create genuine friendships and bonds with the children, often forming deep connections without even needing words. It was truly a beautiful thing to witness every day.

She arrived early every single morning with a smile on her face, her spirits high and ready to face the day regardless of what chaos might lie ahead. I still remember how she would walk the school halls each morning before our students arrived, bringing a sense of peace to the start of our day.

It was a joy and a privilege to work alongside Gayla. I am deeply grateful for her patient, gentle nature and for the wisdom she shared with me as a young teacher. I truly believe the impact she made on our students and the community of Snow Springs will never be forgotten. To Gayla’s family, please know that I am thinking of you and grieving with you.

Brynn Frazier

January 7, 2026

I had the privilege to live in the same ward as Gayla. I still remember she was the relief society President when we moved into the ward. She came to my home and instantly made me feel apart of the ward. I than got to know her as a scout leader for my son. She did everything she could to help him feel included. I also had a son that would sometimes struggle saying the sacrament prayer. She would often stop him and encourage him. It meant so much to him. He is now serving an lds mission. She was a big support to him. Then I had the opportunity to work with her at the elementary school. We had a lot of good times. She was full of energy. She would dance with the kids. She would play basketball with them. She often would jump on the swings and swing right by the kids. Even going down the slides with them. She loved the kids she worked with. One particular kid didn’t talk much but he often would call her name out. Oh how sweet it was to hear. Him say her name. He loved her and we all knew it. She loved him. She never said anything mean about anybody. She made friends all over the school. She knew everybody. She would go to school each morning to walk around and talk with everybody there.

Emily Crawford

January 7, 2026

You will be missed my sweet friend! You were such an example of Christlike love to everyone you met. I loved when you talked about your family because your face lit up and you did it with such love and pride.You have blessed so many lives and we have all been blessed having known you! ❤️❤️

Melanie McPherson

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