Krista Kay Johnson Nunes

Krista Kay Johnson Nunes, 46, of South Jordan, returned to her heavenly home December 2, 2025, after fighting a courageous three year battle with melanoma. She was surrounded by love when she left this world, and our love will continue to be with her as she journeys to the next. Even though it is inconceivable how much we will miss her, we know we will see her again.

Krista was born on January 2, 1979, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Kurt and Barbara Johnson, their second of three daughters. As a child, Krista was easy going and happy. She stayed clear of all the girl drama and made a concerted effort to include everyone. She stressed about being late to things and turning school work in all the time. Just ask her mom! She graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1997 and then left Idaho Falls to study at Ricks College for two years. During her time there she was a dancer on the clogging and folk team and had the opportunity to tour Europe with her team two summers. This was one of her favorite experiences that she talked about often. She transferred to Utah State University and graduated in elementary education in 2002. Shortly after, she started her first teaching job at Hayden Peak Elementary in kindergarten. Krista loved “her kids” and continued to teach off and on for the past 23 years.

Krista met Joe Nunes, on a blind date. On their third date, Joe showed up wearing moccasins and a fedora. Luckily for Joe, Krista didn’t care much about appearances and Joe and Krista were sealed in the Mt. Timpanogas Temple on July 22, 2005. They welcomed three beautiful daughters into their home – Kambria Kay, Maeli Rose, and Janessa Jo. Krista loved being a wife and mother. It was her greatest joy. She was the fun mom, which was evident by the memories she cultivated for her girls. Each school year she planned a back to school dinner with a theme for her girls to focus on that school year. She made their favorite dinner and gifted them little things that set them up for success. She believed strongly that it was more important to give her girls experiences than things. This is something she lived by. She and Joe often took their girls to make memories through their experiences together.

Krista loved to laugh, and her laughter was contagious! She could recite movie lines and sing song lyrics that were always relevant, to make someone laugh or provide levity to any situation. She was a great listener and advice giver, and her sisters would often text or call to “see what she thought” about something. She was known as “the fun aunt” by her nieces and nephews. She worked hard to make experiences memorable for them when the whole family was together. Krista was an avid BYU football fan and her passion for her team was contagious. All BYU games at the Nunes home were passionate events.

Krista was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Those who knew her well will remember that her love for her Savior was palpable. She lived each day by His example. She served those around her in many capacities and loved her ward family.

She will be missed terribly by her husband, Joe; her beloved daughters Kambria, Maeli, and Janessa; her parents Kurt and Barbara Johnson; and her sisters Jami (Justin) McLing and Whitney (Shawn) Allred, as well as her nieces and nephews. She will be embraced on the other side by her grandparents, Wayne and Bernice Johnson; and Robert & Nadine Barlow.

The Nunes family would like to thank all the nurses and doctors at Huntsman Cancer Institute and MD Anderson as well as the home health and hospice nurses for their compassionate care of Krista.

Although those of us still here cannot fathom that she is gone, we are happy she is no longer in pain. We know that this is not goodbye, but instead, see you later.

Because we knew her, our lives have been changed for good.

Love you sister. See you later.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation in Krista’s name to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation at give.huntsmancancer.org.