Mary Lou Johnson, a dedicated educator and passionate horse lover, passed away on December 17, 2025. She was a devoted servant of her faith and a beloved figure in her community, known for her adventurous spirit and commitment to helping others.
Born on February 8, 1940, in Woodland, California, Mary Lou was the daughter of the late Senator Ray Johnson and Lorraine Johnson. The family relocated to Chico in 1943, where she attended local schools and graduated from Chico High School in 1957. Although she began her higher education at Mills College, she soon found a passion for ranch life and transferred to Chico State University.
A Diverse Career Path
Mary Lou’s love for horses led her to leave Chico State after her sophomore year to work on a ranch in Sheridan, Wyoming. There, she honed her skills in cutting horses while also serving as the district secretary for Wyoming’s only Congressman, William Henry Harrison. In the mid-1960s, she returned to California, working for State Senator Fred Marler in Sacramento for two years.
After earning her teaching credential from Chico State in January 1971, she would also attend Fresno State and Biola University. A brief return to ranch life in Nebraska followed, but her commitment to education led her back to Chico. From 1975 to 1981, she developed a remedial reading lab at Orland High School, where she made significant contributions to student learning.
In 1983, Mary Lou returned to Sacramento to work with the Department of Health Services, where she researched and wrote speeches for various officials. Yet, her passion for horses remained strong, leading her back to Chico to serve as secretary, registrar, and newsletter editor for the American Association of Owners and Breeders of Peruvian Paso Horses. When the organization moved to Southern California, she successfully established an advertising agency for the breed, operating from 1987 to 2003, while also creating a coloring book focused on the horses.
A Legacy of Faith and Community
Later in her career, Mary Lou worked for Primerica and obtained her insurance license. Throughout her life, she was driven by a desire to help others, particularly children, leading her to teach Sunday School at Neighborhood Church and later at Promise Church. Her enthusiasm for faith and community touched many lives, and she was affectionately known as “Auntie Moo” to her nieces, Kristen Keller and Rachel Arnold.
Mary Lou’s commitment to her faith was unwavering. She often introduced people to Jesus, guiding them to find peace and contentment in their spiritual journeys. In a personal testament to her beliefs, she requested that Genesis 50:20 be inscribed on her memorial: “But God meant it for good.”
She is survived by her brother Ray Johnson Jr., his wife Nancy, her nieces Kristen and Rachel, and their families, including Ivy and William Keller, and Brooke, Abigail, and Maxwell Arnold.
In accordance with her wishes, there will be no formal service. Those wishing to express their condolences may do so online at NewtonBracewell.com.
