Realla Jane Johnson Fisher was born Feb. 25, 1925, in Nampa, Idaho, to William Elmer Johnson and Althora Bell McMullen Johnson. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Sunday, April 27, 2008, in Kuna, Idaho. Realla spent her childhood in Kuna, Idaho. She was valedictorian at Kuna High School and then attended the St. Luke's nursing program where she graduated with honors. She married Bernard Francis Fisher on March 17, 1948 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They were blessed with six sons. Soon after their marriage, Bernard joined the Air Force and was stationed for the next 25 years in various places around the world. They lived in Salt Lake City, Chicago, Ariz., Japan, Mont., Fla., Germany, Minn., and finally returned to Kuna in 1970. Realla was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held numerous callings but, most notably, served as Relief Society President for 18 years as they moved from place to place. She and Bernard served a mission in the Denver Colorado Temple. They also served for many years as workers in the Boise Idaho Temple. Realla's greatest joys in life were her husband, family, and church. She loved to accompany Bernard on his many travels. She also loved to cook, garden, sew, and decorate cakes. She was compassionate in her love for others and always found ways to serve. Realla suffered a severe stroke in April 2000. Although very limited in her abilities, she has continued to have a sweet and gracious manner. The family is grateful to her many caregivers over the past few years including Shigae Flynn, Hillary Fisher, the staff at Sunbridge Retirement of Nampa, and hospice caregivers. They have all treated her with dignity and respect. Realla was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Norma (Eldon)Yorgason, Janet (Farl) Miller, her brother Duane (Dorothy) Johnson, and a granddaughter, Leslie Irene Fisher. Realla is survived by her husband of 60 years, Bernard Francis Fisher, her six sons and their wives: Bradford and Linda (Kuna, Idaho), Wm Courtney and Paula (Kaysville, Utah), Robbin and Sarah (Boise, Idaho), Timothy and Diane (Kuna, Idaho) , Scott and Sandra (Meridian, Idaho), and Steven and Tamara (stationed in South Korea), by 32 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Realla is also survived by her brothers Juan (Grace) Johnson, Russell (Ruby) Johnson, Burton (Carla) Johnson, Earl (Rene) Cox, and Mark (Tammy) Johnson. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 30, 2008, in the Kuna LDS Stake Center, at the corner of Black Cat and Kuna Roads. A viewing will be held Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. at Zeyer Funeral Chapel, 83 N. Midland Blvd. Nampa and at the church on Wednesday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Burial will be at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, Boise.
Published in the Idaho Statesman on 4/29/2008.