Mary Elizabeth Johnson

Ocean Park resident Mary E. Johnson, 90, died November 11, 2011 in Ilwaco following a valiant battle with cancer. Born August 27, 1921 in Cedar Glades, Arkansas, she was the youngest of six children born to George and Blanche (Miller) Terry. In her youth Mary moved with her family to Turner, Oregon where she attended grade school and graduated from high school. With the outbreak of World War II Mary moved to the Portland-Vancouver area where for the ensuing four years she worked as a burner in the Kaiser Vancouver shipyards. It was there that she met Rudolph "Bill" Johnson and they were married December 24, 1945 in Stevenson, Washington. Mary and Bill established their home in the Providence Heights area of Portland. There Mary was a wife, mother and homemaker. She was a member of the Portland Foursquare Church. Beginning in 1948 Mary and Bill became avid salmon fishermen on the Columbia River and they resided on a houseboat on the Columbia until retirement took them to Ocean Park 35 years ago. While living in Portland Mary bought and sold fabric for Jantzen Knitting Mills as a hobby. Mary was very active as a member of the Family Worship Center in Ocean Park where she established and ran the library. She enjoyed Bible study, crafts, gardening, sewing, flowers, fishing, hunting, clamming, bird-watching and was an excellent cook. As part of her personal ministry Mary assisted with area blood drives, was a vocal advocate for the Lord, and loved to help anyone at any time. Mary took pride in caring for her family and delighted in raising her children according to God's word. She delighted in being a devoted wife, always there for her spouse, and lived her life according to the teachings of the Lord. Besides her husband of 65 years, Mary is survived by her son Jerry (Penny) Johnson of Richland, WA; daughter Patty ((Perry) Johnson of The Dalles, Oregon; grandchildren Heidi and Molly; great-grandchildren Breanna and Brandlyn; and her beloved canine companion Colette whom she raised since she was a puppy. She was preceded in death by her brothers Ocus, Ira and Hasten and sisters Margie and Lillian. Graveside rites of Christian Burial will be held Friday, November 18, 2011, 1:00 PM at Belcrest Memorial Park in Salem, Oregon. Memorial service will be Saturday, November 19, 2011, 11:00 AM at Family Worship Center in Ocean Park with a reception following. Her casket will be open Wednesday and Thursday, 10 AM until 5 PM at Penttila's Chapel by The Sea in Long Beach. Memorials may be made to the Family Worship Center memorial fund in care of Penttila's Chapel, PO Box 417, Long Beach, WA 98631. Her guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.