Rosie Johnson

Naselle, Washington resident Rose E. "Rosie" Johnson, 82, died in Astoria, Oregon on November 13, 2009. Born in Astoria on September 5, 1927, she was one of three children born to August and Lempi (Rinell) Nelson. Rosie grew up on the family farm in the Deep River area east of Naselle where her chores included milking cows, picking apples and helping her mother in the kitchen. Rosie attended Maple Grove school in Salmon Creek and later Naselle elementary. She graduated from Naselle High School in 1945. Two years later, on January 25, 1947 she married Iver Johnson, a native of South Bend. The couple settled in Naselle where Rosie was a wife, mother and homemaker. In 1962 she and Ivar built the Sleepy Hollow Motel in Naselle which Rosie operated while Ivar drove log truck. Rosie was a long time member of the Naselle Lutheran Church where she was active in numerous events and she was one of the founders and active participants in the Finnfest, the Naselle festival commemorating the areas Finnish ancestry. Naselle High School athletic teams were actively supported by Rosie, and she proudly proclaimed in various venues "good luck to the Comets from the old lady who sits in the stands". Rosie enjoyed many friendships, relished sharing stories of her childhood, took pride in her independence and enjoyed running her hotel right up until her passing. Rosie is survived by her grandchildren Jodi Magee, Kori Johnson and Jaymi Whalen; four great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law Joan Johnson; and numerous other members of her extended family. She was especially close to her cousin Frances Nelson Penttila. Rosie was preceded in death by her husband Iver, sons Gene and Bradley, sister Verna and brother Nels "Buddy". Memorial service will be held Thursday, November 19, 2009, 1:00 PM at Naselle Lutheran Church with a reception following. Private committal will be at Peaceful Hill Cemetery, Naselle. The guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.