Obituary of Reginia Rae Johnson

In loving memory of Reginia “Ging” Rae (Cross) Johnson

Resembling the Hallmark movies she enjoyed so much, Reginia’s life was one of love, a few tears, happiness, friendship, family, and a bittersweet ending.

Born on March 23, 1950, Reginia entered this life in a small maternity home in Delta, Colorado to parents Raymond Omer Cross and Verneal May (Dunham) Cross. While Reginia was the oldest child in her family (sister, Vicki and brother, Jerry), she was always the “little” big sister at 4’ 10 ½“ tall. She often told people, “Don’t forget that half inch!” Reginia never failed to remind those who teased her about her height that both dynamite and diamonds come in small packages. Her childhood homes included Delta, Akron, Denver and Salida, Colorado. Reginia graduated from Salida High School in the Class of 1969 and attended Mesa State College for a short time.

In 1971, Reginia met her soulmate and love of her life, Gary Joseph Johnson. They married on February 28, 1976, and later were blessed with two daughters Krista (1978) and Melinda (1980). Reginia and Gary resided at their home in Northglenn, Colorado for much of their marriage. Sadly, Gary passed away on April 10, 1991. Reginia never remarried and knew she would see her love again one day.

Over the years, Reginia gained numerous bonus sons and daughters. As her children grew into adulthood, she was blessed with 2 granddaughters (Teagan Boughton and Loralie Chatman), grandson (Justin Boughton) and multiple bonus grandchildren. Later, she welcomed great grandson, Domonick Boughton and that the time of her death, was happily anticipating the arrival of her newest great grandson, John.

Reginia was blessed with countless friendships, many of which spanned multiple decades. To her, friends often became extended family. Best known for her compassionate spirit, Reginia constantly worried about others and rarely about herself. She was described by many who loved her as an Angel on Earth. If someone was in need, Reginia always did her best to help, either by giving them items they needed or finding another way to help them. Friends and family will remember Reginia for her patriotism (RED Fridays, supporting both active-duty troops and military veterans and proudly displaying American Flags), and her endless appreciation for those around her regardless of their role in her life.

Reginia lived a full life, although she retired from her administrative career with Adams 12 Five Star Schools, retirement didn’t last long, and she was soon working in home health care and later returned to administrative office work. Prior to Adams 12, Reginia worked various jobs including a librarian in Salida and waitress for her long-time neighbors’ restaurant. She enjoyed horse racing (having grown up at the racetracks where her parents’ horses ran), Colorado Avalanche hockey (a love acquired from her daughters), crafting cross-stitch items and gardening (especially snapdragons, cucumbers, pansies, and columbines). Most importantly though, was the time with family and friends.

Unexpectedly, Reginia experienced kidney stone obstruction and sepsis at the end of February 2023. With Krista, Melinda and bonus daughter Miranda and her close friends Jim Martin and Gwen Burnside by her side, she battled through her illness. As she improved, she set goals for herself of regaining strength and the ability to walk by Melinda’s wedding in June to walk her daughter down the aisle and to meet her new great grandson, John in July.

Unfortunately, she returned to the hospital from acute rehabilitation on March 24th (one day after her 73rd birthday) due to pneumonia. Family, friends, and her medical team remained hopeful for her recovery for over a week. However, complications related to her pneumonia began to take a toll. Reginia passed peacefully with both of her daughters and close family friends by her side on April 4, 2023, at 3:04pm. Reginia was reunited with her husband Gary, just 6 days shy of 32 years apart.

Reginia was proceeded in death by her beloved husband, Gary Joseph Johnson. Her parents, Raymond Omer Cross, and Verneal May (Dunham) Cross. Her father-in-law, Jack Francis Johnson and mother-in-law, Geraldine Louise (Forsyth) Johnson. Her niece, Michelle Cross, brother-in-law Robert Cates and numerous extended family and treasured friends.

She is survived by her daughters, Krista, and Melinda (future son-in-law, Shaun Scott), granddaughters Teagan Boughton and Loralie Chatman, grandson Justin Boughton and numerous bonus grandchildren including Kyle, Keylea, Calvin, and Liam. Great grandsons, Domonick, and John (arriving July 2023). Her sister Vicki Cates, brother Jerry Cross, brother-in-law Donald Johnson, sister-in-law/cousin Julie Johnson and sister-in-law Diane Cross. Nieces Jennifer Cross, Lori Hartley (Husband Ryan), and Shari Hofhiens (husband Michael). Nephews Jeremy (Jerry Lee) Musgrove, Michael Musgrove (wife Courtney), Cameron Cross (wife Stephanie) and Scott Johnson (wife Mandy). Great nieces, Lydia Anders, Adelle Cross, Sage Hardman, and Afton Hofhiens. Great nephews Tenzin Musgrove, Jacob Hofhiens, Asher Hardman, and Kelton Hardman and numerous extended family and friends.

Reginia strongly believed that we should always take the time to stop and smell the flowers. She always reminded others that her #1 rule was safety first. She would want everyone to remember to never forget to HUG those you love (she gave the best hugs), say I love you often (you never know when it will be your last opportunity) and always be safe in your travels.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, July 28, 2023 from 11:30AM to 1:00Pm at Early College of Arvada, 4905 W. 60th Ave. Arvada, CO 80003. Parking is limited but additional parking can be found at the local park and ride and church near the school.

A Fort Logan Memorial Service will take place at Fort Logan National Cemetery will take place on Friday, July 28, 2023 at 2:30PM 4400 W. Kenyon Ave. Denver, CO 80236, Staging Area B.