Elisabeth Dawn Johnson

Elisabeth Dawn Johnson, affectionately known as Liz, a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on September 20, 2026, in Swink, Colorado, at the age of 44.

Liz was born on November 17, 1981, in La Junta, Colorado, to Ken and Patty Johnson. In 1986, Liz was overjoyed to welcome her baby sister, Natalie, into the family. She grew up in her family home in La Junta and spent many cherished days on the family ranch in Kim, Colorado.

A proud graduate of La Junta High School's Class of 2000, Liz went on to attend Otero Junior College, where she earned her associate degree in nursing and became a Registered Nurse.

During her high school years, Liz was an honorary member of the Koshare Indian Dancers, an experience that allowed her to share her creativity and appreciation for art and tradition. She created beautiful Native American-inspired pieces that she proudly showcased during performances with the Koshare Indian Dancers and at local powwows. Liz was also an exceptionally talented artist, and many of her drawings received top honors and awards throughout her high school years.

For more than 26 years, Liz shared her life with her longtime partner, Frank Valencia. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, laughter, and countless cherished memories including raising Troy and Josh, her stepsons, as her own.

On March 10, 2017, Liz's life was forever changed when she welcomed her greatest blessing, her son, Jordan Ray Valencia. From that moment on, Jordan became the center of her world, her greatest source of pride, and the deepest joy of her heart. Being Jordan's mom was one of the greatest gifts of Liz's life, and the love she had for him was immeasurable.

Liz devoted more than 20 years of her life to caring for others as a Registered Nurse. Her compassion extended not only to her patients, but also to the coworkers and friends she worked alongside throughout her career. She spent the last several years serving her community at Valley-Wide Health Systems in La Junta, Colorado. Nursing was more than Liz's profession; caring for people was simply part of who she was.

Liz had a gift for leaving an impression on the people whose lives crossed hers. She loved deeply, cared fiercely, and gave so much of herself to her family, friends, patients, and community. Her creativity, compassion, humor, strength, and unmistakable personality will be remembered by the many people who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

Liz was preceded in death by her grandparents, Charles and Dorothy Long and J.Y. and Thelba Dee Johnson; her uncle, Harvey Shannon; and her cousins, Lance Smith and Justin Shannon.

She is survived by her longtime partner, Frank Valencia of Swink, Colorado; her beloved son, Jordan Ray Valencia of Swink, Colorado; her parents, Ken and Patty Johnson of La Junta, Colorado; her sister, Natalie Johnson of La Junta, Colorado ; her stepsons, Troy & Hope Valencia of La Junta, Colorado , and Josh Valencia of Denver, Colorado; her in-laws, Floyd & Frances Valencia of Swink, Colorado; Anita & Joseph Roybal of Swink, Colorado; Tom & Latasha Valencia of Rocky Ford, Colorado; and Shyla & Richard Vasquez of Rocky Ford, Colorado.

Liz also leaves behind her two grandchildren, Myles Valencia and Maysa Valencia, both of La Junta, Colorado, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, friends, coworkers, and countless others whose lives she touched along the way.

While Liz's life ended far too soon, the love she gave, the people she cared for, the memories she created, and the beautiful life she shared with those around her will continue to live on. Above all, her love for Jordan will remain an everlasting part of her legacy. A memorial service honoring Liz's life will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Koshare Indian Museum, 115 W. 18th Street, La Junta, Colorado.