Gina Johnson
courtesy photo
Gina Johnson
RONAN — On Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021, Gina Teresa Johnson, loving mother, sister, grandmother, auntie, cousin, and friend, passed away at age 63. Gina was born on Jan. 29, 1958, in Ronan, to Adam Grant Kirsch and Bonnie Jean (Hoyt) Kirsch.
Gina grew up in Ronan on the family ranch and graduated from Ronan High school in 1976.
After high school she married Doug Starkel and had two children, Josh and Jake. They later divorced.
Gina worked at the Lake County Court House in the Clerk of Court office where she met Wes Johnson, a handsome and charismatic highway patrol officer. The two were wed on Sept. 14, 1985. Together they raised three sons, Shon, Josh and Jake, and a daughter, Tammy.
In 1993, Wes retired from the Montana Highway Patrol, and he and Gina started S & S Sports in an old calving shed on their property. Together they grew the business successfully. In 2011 Wes passed away unexpectedly. Gina continued to grow S & S Sports, and with the help of her children, the business has prospered.
Gina had a passion for her family, friends and dusty old things. She was a lover of animals. She combined her favorite hobbies and creative talent into extraordinary art and decoration. She had and incredible green thumb. Consequently, her gardens and flowers were always the envy of us all. She was known for her quick wit, her infectious smile, and her kind and compassionate spirit. Gina’s love of great music took her to many live shows. She was fearless and always up for a great adventure and good times followed her wherever she went. Most notably her wild motorcycle rides on her Spyder to Sturgis with the Wild Gofers. Gina was cherished by so many.
Gina is preceded in death by her husband Wes; father, Adam; mother, Bonnie; and her niece, Kaetlyn.
She is survived by four children, Tammy Barr (Wes), Shon Johnson (Cathy), Josh Starkel (Tara), Jake Starkel (Tyanna); her beloved brother, Kevin Kirsch (Dana); 10 grandchildren; two nieces and two nephews; many cousins, friends and her loving partner, Fred Reimers.
A Memorial Celebration is being planned for the late summer/early fall of next year. Details will be announced. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at: www.shriderthompson.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Shrider – Thompson Funeral Home.
