Obituary: Johnston, Ellen Marie

JOHNSTON, Ellen Marie

July 2, 1964-
April 21, 2016

Ellen Marie Johnston was the beloved daughter of Lt. Col. Robert R. Johnston (USAF) and Jane C. Johnston.

Ellen grew up on her family’s horse and cattle ranch in west Spokane.

Though Ellen was born with Down syndrome, she lived a very active and happy life.

Ellen loved to ride her beloved Arabian show horse, Akdar.

She helped out on the family farm, feeding the horses, cattle, and chickens.

Ellen enjoyed riding on the farm tractor, in the back of her father’s pickup truck, and on motorcycles.

She was a productive member of society all of her adult life working at several establishments, including Ronald McDonald House, Super 8 Motel, the Federal Courthouse, Nova Industries, and Skils’kin.

Ellen was an enthusiastic member of her high school cheerleading squad.

Ellen also enjoyed bowling (with her customized bowling ball), water polo, dancing, and watching Star Trek.

And Ellen loved to travel, preferring to sit in a window seat on her flights to Hawaii, Florida, and Mexico.

Ellen’s mother passed in 1998 and her father in 2013.

Ellen is survived by her three older brothers: Robert Jr. (Zan), James Stephen (Patricia), and Michael (Kimiko).

Ellen’s immediately older brother David passed away in 1975, and she missed him terribly.

She is also survived by several nieces and nephews: Chad (Robin), Debra, Robert III, Jason (Colleen), Christine Sarah, and Charlotte Marie.

Ellen is further survived by six grand-nieces and nephews: Jesse, Brandon, Sesilea, Matthew, Nicholas, and Spencer.

Ellen loved everyone, and everyone loved Ellen.

Ellen’s family is profoundly grateful to Ellen’s devoted caregivers at Haven Homes in Medical Lake, Washington.

Visitation will be Friday, April 29, 2016 at 5pm followed by a Rosary at 6pm at Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home, 1306 N. Monroe.

Funeral Mass will be Saturday, April 30, 2016 11am at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral, 1115 W. Riverside Ave.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Arc of Spokane County.