Anna Montgomery Price Johnson. 82, of Durango, CO, co-founder of Durango's Repertory Theatre, took her final bow on Wed, July 8, 2026. A native of Scotland, Anna graduated from Ohio University and worked with the Ohio Repertory Theater for several years before moving to NYC. There, she studied with William Hickey and appeared off-Broadway and in summer stock. She also choreographed several off-Broadway musicals, including Morningside Heights, Stop the World I Want to Get Off, and Little Mary Sunshine.

A founding member of The Company, she delighted audiences in Vanities, The Lion in Winter, and A Streetcar Named Desire, as well as numerous other leading roles. She wrote the stage adaptation, directed, cast, and choreographed Durango's holiday performances of A Christmas Carol (1980's through early 2000's), wrote Durango's centennial production of 1892, and directed Music in the Mountains' children's productions of Peter and the Wolf. For Durango's July 4th celebrations, she and her creative partner and husband, the late Dennis M. Johnson, did dramatic readings of our country's Declaration of Independence for the festivities at Rotary Park.

Anna made every play better because she was dedicated to her craft. She will be remembered less for any one performance and more for a while, glorious body of work - from Love Letters and Sea Marks (both with Dennis) to Dancing at Lunesa, Three Tall Women, and Shirley Valentine.

In a life full of roles - NYC runway model, spouse, clothing retailer, auntie, animal lover, gardener, grandmother - the one that suited her best was the one for which most Durango residents will remember her: as the co-pioneer of Durango's community theater, building on the foundation laid by the Diamond Circle Theater. Along with Dennis, Anna tirelessly acted, directed, choreographed, costume designed, and managed hundreds of opening nights and matinees, for over 20 years. She kept showing up, year after year, for a hobby that doesn't pay and demands real vulnerability. Her unwavering affection for Durango - its people, its art, its scenery, its wildlive - all these drew forth the best of her talents to give back to the community she adored.

Beginning with the Abbey Theater, then with The Company (which they founded), later known as The Durango Repertory Theatre, Anna's heart, soul, and intense commitment to growing and investing in local talent infused every production. As one actress protegee observed, "Her heart was 100% for our community's culture." Anna was brilliant but humble with people from all walks of life, characteristics that gave her productions honesty. She was rigorous in her expectations but along with that she nurtured and cultivated many newbie actors over the decades, taking chances with a determination that proved successful.

In addition to Anna's theatrical contributions, she also ran the women's clothing side of Stuart's of Durango (closed in 2016 after over 50 years). While there, her Scottish shortbread, plum pudding with hard sauce, egg nog, fudge, and other culinary delights she prepared for customers during the holidays often stole the show from the merchandise. Her treats were as much a part of Christmas at Stuart's as their elegant gift wrapping.

Her fondness for animals could be somewhat unconventional, prompting her to plant enough tulip bulbs in her vibrant garden to feed Durango's in-town deer, and perhaps still leave a few for blooming. Her fondness for animals ranged from the beavers in Harris Park to the racoons who foraged among her flowers to her own lifelong pet dogs and cats.

Flowers too were a source of great joy for Anna, as anyone who witnessed the bountiful and vibrant blooms outside and in her home could attest. In later years as she was less able to tend her own garden, she still delighted in seeing Durango's flora from inside a car or window, cherishing each season's new colors.

Anna and the family have been extremely grateful for the loving care she received from her amazing team of caregivers: Michelle, Stephanie, Ruby, Kym, Emma, Bob, and Buckie.

Surviving family: Daughters Nicole Johnson and Martine Smith; grandons Jonathan and Jeremiah Smith; cousin Sandra Phelps of Westerville, OH; and numerous nieces and nephews in the United States, Scotland, England, South Africa and Canada.

She was preceded in death by her husband and lifelong creative parter, Dennis M. Johnson, her parents William "Bill" and Grace Donald, and her granddaughter: Francesca "Mimsy" Smith.

Anna's memmorial will be held this Saturday, July 18, at 2:00 pm at Hood Mortuary. The service will be followed immediately by a reception at Hood, and interment at Greenmount Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making donations to Annie's K9 Orphans (http://www,anniesk9orphans.org) or to the Durango Arts Council (http://www.durangoarts.org).