Obituary: Johnston, Mary Adeline
Age 90
1922-2012
Mary passed away Thursday, September 27, 2012 from complications after a stroke in April.
Mary was born April 1, 1922 in Pendleton, OR to descendants of the Oregon Trail pioneers families of Joe Frank and Mamie Francis (Weaver) Hayse; the second of four children.
After graduation from Touchet High School she moved to LaGrande, OR to attend Eastern Oregon College where she was quickly swept off her feet by a dashing young man by the name of Earl Johnston.
They eloped to Weiser, ID in December 17, 1940 after a whirlwind six week courtship.
Mary being a strong, fiercely independent woman learned quickly to take care of herself and her son when Earl went off to serve his country.
Mary worked in the Portland, OR area shipyards as part of the war effort.
When Earl returned from the military they took up residence in LA Grande adding three more children to their family.
In 1954, a promotion for Earl with Standard Oil Stations prompted the family to move to Walla Walla, WA.
Another promotion moved them to Spokane in 1961.
Mary was involved in Town & Country Garden Club, Elks, and Moose Lodge and was an area Avon saleslady.
Upon Earl’s retirement, they built their dream home at Ona Beach on the Oregon Coast, near Earl’s twin brothers where Mary took up painting becoming quite an accomplished painter.
Earl’s passing prompted Mary to move to Walla Walla for a short period then back to Spokane for the past 18 years to be near family.
Mary was a member of Assumption Parish, DAR, Yaquina Art Association and Eastern Washington Genealogy Society.
She enjoyed travels to Europe and China, Bingo, playing cards, Johnny Carson, Christmas morning with family and cinnamon rolls, and had a passion for crossword puzzles.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband Earl in 1986, her parents; sister Eleanor Mock (Brunton); brothers Joe Hayse Jr, and James Hayse.
She is survived by a sister-in-law, Katie Hayse of Milwaukie, OR.
Mary also leaves behind sons Michael, Thailand and Robert Johnston, Spokane, daughters Marilyn (Gregg) Douglas, Spokane and Deborah (Tom) Mohr of Hutchinson Island, FL.
Seven grandchildren Alisha (Nong) Suddee, South Carolina, Earlene (David) Featherstone, FL, Danielle (Jon) Edmonds, Sammamish, WA, Sean (Barb)Douglas, Spokane, Shannon (Chris) Stiles, Spokane, Jennifer Mohr-Sims, FL and Jeff Mohr, CA.
and 13 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A special thanks to the caregivers at Holy Family Hospital, Manor Care and Fairwood Memory Care Unit for the support during the difficult last six months of Mary’s life.
A family gathering will be planned for a later time to celebrate Mary’s life.
RIPLINGER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 4305 N. DIVISION, SPOKANE, WA entrusted with arrangements.
Online guest book available at www.riplingers.com