Maryellen Whitlock Johnson Nordwick passed away June 16, 2026, in Cheyenne, Wyoming.She was born in September 1936 to Guy Vivian Whitlock and Vivian E. Westlake Whitlock in Pavillion, Wyoming. Mary was the youngest of her siblings, being preceded in death by her brothers Doy, Lee, Dick, Tode and Paul Whitlock as well as her sisters Margie Collins and Mavadell Hainworth.

Mary married William C. Johnson (Billy) in 1951. With their two children, Deeda Johnson and Zane Johnson, they lived in and around Fremont County until 1963 when Billy graduated from Veterinary college at Colorado State University. They then moved to Wilson, Wyoming where Billy opened a veterinary practice. Mary was well known throughout the community enjoying outdoor recreation, serving as hostess for family and friend gatherings, as well as a being a strong supporter of children in the community.

Mary, Zane, and Deeda continued residing in the Wilson community following the death of Billy in 1969. During the years until Zane’s graduation from high school, Mary owned and operated The Flower Cart flower shop as well as continuing to support Zane and Deeda in their many activities.

Following Zane’s graduation and Deeda’s marriage in 1976, Mary moved to Dubois, Wyoming to live closer to family and friends. She eventually built and opened The Line Shack restaurant and bar on Union Pass. Many good meals and enjoyable get-togethers were had while Mary was the proprietor at The Line Shack.

During her days at The Line Shack, Mary met and married E. John Nordwick of Brockton Montana. They eventually moved to Brockton where Mary continued to help raise John’s youngest children, got to know his older children, and helped own, manage, and work The Log Cabin Bar.

Mary and John semi-retired and moved to Culbertson, Montana. They traveled throughout the southern U.S. visiting family and friends. John passed away in 2015. In 2016, Mary moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming to live with daughter Deeda. Mary missed the Montana family and friends but was happy to reconnect with her Johnson and Whitlock family.

Mary is survived by daughter Deeda Randle, son Zane Johnson and his wife Kristy, grandchildren Jeremy Randle, Kari Randle-Bright, Will Johnson, Karoline Johnson and great-grandchildren Chloe Bright and Gwen Johnson.

A remembrance service will be held later this summer in Lander, Wyoming.