Brenda Arlene Johnstone

Brenda Arlene Johnstone, a beloved educator and cherished family member, was born on May 2, 1954, in Burley, Idaho. She passed away on October 19, 2024, in Pocatello, Idaho, following a tragic fall. Brenda’s life was a testament to her unwavering dedication to her vocation and her boundless love for her family.

Brenda devoted more than three decades to nurturing the minds of young learners, teaching students from Kindergarten through the 6th grade. Her passion for education extended beyond the traditional classroom; during many summers, she worked diligently with the summer school migrant children's education program, supporting children who were often non-English speakers. She earned her Bachelor in Education degree with high honors from Brigham Young University and returned to her roots in Burley to embark on her career.

In May of 1987, Brenda married Todd Goodsell, embracing the role of a mother to his two young boys. Their family grew with the birth of their third son, Brendan, who became her pride and joy. Her commitment to being a dedicated mother shone brightly as she tirelessly supported her children throughout their lives. The family journey took them from Rupert, Idaho, to Portland, Oregon, where Brenda sought work as a teacher but, facing challenges in securing a position, worked as a secretary at a funeral home to support her family while Todd pursued further education. Eventually, they found their way back to Idaho, where Brenda continued her teaching journey at various schools, including those on the military base, before retiring from the Elmore County School District.

After the dissolution of her marriage with Todd, Brenda met Brian Johnstone from Homedale, Idaho. On March 24, 2018, they united in matrimony, and Brenda embraced her new life as a farmer's wife, adapting to the challenges and joys this new path presented. Together, Brenda and Brian cultivated not only their land but also a partnership built on love and mutual respect.

Brenda was an outgoing and kind-hearted individual, easily making friends and touching the lives of those around her. She was an active and devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where she served in numerous callings over the years. In addition to her professional and spiritual commitments, she cherished traveling the world alongside her closest friend, Robin Anderson, with whom she embarked on many thrilling adventures. Brenda also loved music and spent many years teaching piano to both children and adults. 

She is survived by her devoted husband, Brian Johnstone of Homedale, Idaho; her sons, Kevin (Jennifer) Goodsell of Denver, Colorado, Brady (Amy) Goodsell of Kuna, Idaho, and Brendan (Jerrica) Goodsell of Colorado Springs, Colorado; her stepchildren, Wendy (Scott) Salutregui of Homedale, ID, Sam (Ann) Johnstone, Palmer, AK, Sally (James) Perez, Farmington, UT, Jake (Christy) Johnstone, Navarre, Fl, and Pat (Katerina) Johnstone, Liberec, Czech Republic; her sisters, Verla (Dave) Brooke of Hooper, Utah, and LaPreal Lynes of Kaysville, Utah; along with her brother-in-law, Larry Anderson of Burley, and a cherished legacy of 25 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Verl and Mary Winward, stepdaughter Keri Kinanne, sister Reva Anderson, brother-in-law Gordon Lynes, and a niece Mary Ann Anderson. Her departure leaves an indelible void in the hearts of all who knew her.

Funeral services will be conducted at noon on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the Mountain Home Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, located at 1150 N 8th E with a visitation from 10:00 am to 11:30 am, before the service. There will be a second service held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at the Homedale LDS Church located at 708 W Idaho Street, Homedale, ID, with a visitation from 12:30 to 1:30 before the services. For those unable to attend in person, there will be a live stream feed. Please follow this link https://my.forever.link/register/Red-Rose-funeral/brenda-arlene-johnstone 

As we reflect on Brenda's remarkable life, we are reminded of the tremendous impact she made on her students, the unwavering love she expressed as a mother and wife, and the friendships she fostered along her winding journey. May her spirit continue to inspire and guide us all, as we cherish each memory and lesson she imparted to our lives.

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