Dolores-June Busby-Johnson

Dolores-June Busby-Johnson, age 93, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2024 at Rose of Sharon Assisted Living in Centennial, Colorado. She was born June 30, 1931 in Santa Cruz, California to Claude and Marie (Knight) Busby. She graduated high school and attended business college in Boise, Idaho. She married Paul Johnson in Santa Cruz and they settled in Colorado where Paul established his career in the utility industry working for Public Service Company. They raised two children, Aaron and Carolyn, in the Green Mountain neighborhood of Lakewood.

Dolores developed her own career as a secretary and word processor for the Bureau of Land Management, contributing her writing talents to a major department publication Inventory and Monitoring of Wildlife Habitat in 1992. Dolores also participated in the administration of the construction projects for Eisenhower Tunnel and Vail Pass. She was involved in the early stages of wild animal rescue programs and a staunch advocate for animal welfare. She was a strong supporter of Israel and the Jewish people. She practiced a strong faith that continued throughout her life. In later years, Dolores, casually known as June, preferred to be called by her childhood nickname Dody, which suited her well during her senior years.

She was preceded in death by her parents Claude and Marie, sister Evelyn and former husband Paul. She is survived by her son Aaron (Ellen), daughter Carolyn Forrest (Bobby), grandchildren Amber LeHardy (Philippe), Shanna Petersen (Jeff), Ryan Forrest (Kim), Christina Griffin (Mack), and great grandchildren Rhett, Brandt, Hale and Sophie.

A private burial ceremony was held at Littleton Cemetery for family members. A Memorial Service will be held at Congregation Yeshuat Tsion Messianic Synagogue, 1480 West Canal Court, Littleton, Colorado at 2:00PM on January 19, 2025. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to ReDONKulous Ranch Donkey Sanctuary and Rescue or Cat Care Society.