In the morning of January 6th, 2019, Leota passed peacefully in her home at the age of 78 from natural causes. Leota Murle Gregg arrived into this world on June 28, 1940 the first child of Robert Gast Gregg Jr. and Dorothy Maxine (Moore) Gregg in Savage, MT. She was named after her two grandmothers Cecelia Leota (Gear) Gregg and Nina Murle (Howard) Moore.
She spent most of her early years in Savage, MT with a short time in Bremerton, WA during the war where her father was working in the shipyards. She was joined in 1942 by her brother Bill and in 1951 by her sister Joleen. She was very close to her Grandparents, and many Aunts and Uncles from both the Moore and Gear parts of the family as she grew up in Savage. She was the first member of her family to join the congregational church in Savage beginning her life long journey of faith with our Lord Jesus Christ. She developed many lifelong friendships with her classmates which she cherished and enjoyed.
In 1958, she graduated from Savage High School and moved to Sidney to work. It was during this time that she met the love of her life Henry T. Johnson, spending time at the Triangle Nite Club dining and dancing through their courtship. On December 13, 1959 they were married at the Congregational church in Savage. Their early years were spent travelling around the MONDAK area following Henry and his construction jobs. They welcomed their first son Bryan into their lives on December 2, 1960 in Sidney. Followed by Kent on April 15th, 1962 in Miles City and daughter Cindy on March 12, 1964 in Sidney.
In 1967 they came to roost in Sidney, Montana when Bryan began school. Shortly after moving to Sidney Leota began working at the Richland County Treasurer's office until one day Ole Grinolds came up and lured her to the Sheriff’s office where she worked as a deputy sheriff and other roles for the department until her retirement in 2006.
She was an avid, accomplished cook and baker. She enjoyed cooking for family, friends and any stray folks that might happen to be by. Long remembered for her abundant and delicious feasts by all who her crossed her door. A competitive, accomplished card and game player she enjoyed a good game with her family and friends. Often coming out on top during many of these “games”. She loved playing Bingo, Bonco and was avidly playing pinochle. She enjoyed her trips to Deadwood, Mexico and Alaska after her retirement.
She gave her time to a large number of organizations and was often the first to volunteer, always helping other people. Everywhere she went she devoted time, prayer, determination and energy to the congregations she belonged. She is fondly remembered by her UCC congregations in Savage, Sidney and Miles City. Her many battles with cancer led her to become very involved in Relay for Life and other charitable activities and events. After Henry’s passing in 2009 she spent many days at the family cabin in Fort Peck, watching the boats go by and supporting the Local Theatre by attending many productions.
Leota was preceded in death by her husband Henry T. Johnson, parents Robert and Maxine Gregg, grandparents Ern & Murle Moore, brother Bill Gregg, sister in law Joann Cotter.
Leota is survived by her sons Bryan (Janet) Johnson -Arden Hills, MN, Kent (Patty) Johnson- St. Michael, MN, daughter Cindy (Dale) Berg - Miles City MT. Grandchildren Chase (Jennee) Berg- Billings MT, Cord (Destiny) Berg- Billings MT, Levi Johnson - Arden Hills MN, Noah Johnson - Arden Hills, Addie Johnson - St. Michael MN, Katie Johnson - St. Michael MN, Bridget Johnson - St. Michael MN. Sister Jolene (Gregg) Taylor, Brother in Law Cody Taylor, Sister in Law Linda Gregg and Brother in Law Ernie Cotter Jr. as well as many nephews and nieces. Great Granddaughter Addison and baby Faith Berg who we are waiting for her arrival. She also leaves behind her faithful grandpuppy Cassy.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.

Memorial Contribution