Marie E. Johnson, 90, of Yakima passed away early September 3, 2019 at Landmark Care Center. Marie was born to Walter G. & Florence E. Martin on March 27, 1929 in Yakima, WA. Marie attended Wapato High School graduating in 1947. She dated Wayne D. Johnson and they were on the WA-Hi Tennis Club.
After graduation from high school, Marie headed to Denver, CO to attend floral school with her best friend Veleta Stobaugh. She worked at the Kameo Flower Shop in Yakima.
Marie married Wayne on March 12, 1950 at the Martin Family Ranch in Wapato, WA. They lived in the family home and raised their children: Randy, Macile, Nancy and Gale. The whole family participating in smudging, pruning, picking, irrigating, and farming. Our parents would plan out trips that would take us on adventures that were so fun! Dad loved to drive and Mom would pack us up. Mom even got Dad to agree to take all our families to Disney World with a cruise in the Bahamas, trips to Hawaii, Disneyland, Yellowstone, Arizona, Canada, etc. There were also many weekends spent at the family cabin at Rimrock Lake. Many great memories were made!
In 1983, Mom and Dad sold their ranch and moved to Willow Lake Condos. Mom loved the lake and decorated the condo with a classy “duck” theme. Marie was known for her apple pies, decorating, floral talent, great entertaining, crafts, and her loving personality. She always had events planned with neighbors and friends. Christmas was always the highlight of Marie’s life. She started decorating in November and the decorations stayed up until February. Her theme changed each year and of course she coordinated every detail. It really was unbelievable what she would do. It was always a fantasy land for grandchildren as well as friends.
Marie and Wayne belonged to many social groups throughout the valley in which they acquired many great friends. Jeeping, archery, progressive dinners, card groups, etc.… there was never a dull moment. Lots of good memories traveling with Fred & Helen Mahre and trips with their family. They enjoyed their life!
Wayne died in August 1993. Marie continued to travel with family and friends to many places. Family was very important to her and she always wanted to be with her kids and their activities. We have been very fortunate to have such great parents.
Marie is survived by her children – Randy (Robbie) Johnson, Macile (Bill) Cowman, Nancy Munson and Gale Sackman, her grandchildren – Chad (Brynn) Johnson, Chanda (Kevin) Anderson, Jeffery (Amber) Cowman, Jason (Karly) Cowman, Daniel (Laura) Munson, Patrick (Solveig) Munson, Chris (Emily) Munson, and Elizabeth (Ben) Simmons. Marie had 10 great-grandchildren who made her eyes light up every time she saw them. She was preceded in death by her husband Wayne, her parents Walter & Florence Martin, her sister Macile Powers, sons-in law Dick Munson and Mike Sackman, and grandson Nick Sackman.
We would like to thank the staff at Landmark Care Center for their support and care that they gave to our mom, and her best friend Veleta Stobaugh for her weekly visits and friendship. We will miss her dearly – her loving smile, everyday conversations, Christmas holidays and just visiting with her.
A Celebration of Life Service is planned for 10:30 am, Sept. 28, 2019 at Rainier Memorial Center, 2807 Terrace Heights Drive, Yakima, WA.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Marie’s memory may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association or Heartlinks Hospice.
Please visit www.keithandkeith.com to share a memory of Marie or condolences.
