Ellen Rae Williams Hanegan Johnson

Born in 1925 to Lorn and Mary Ruth Williams in Vernal, Utah. She was the third of four children.

Never to brag about her life, it was amazing just the same. Ellen grew up on a small farm during the depression. She recalled later that she never knew the country was in such despair, as her family always had what they needed as kids. Ellen moved with her family to Springville, Utah where she graduated from high school.

After high school she met and married a young Army officer, John Theodore Hanegan, in Salt Lake City, Utah and with whom she had three children with; John Theodore Hanegan II, Patrick and Kathryn. The family moved around the globe as John’s assignments changed until he retired from the Army and settled in San Jose, California. Shortly after retiring, John died of a massive heart attack while in the employment of Lockheed Technology.

A few years after John’s death she married a former schoolmate, Milo Evans Johnson of Needles, California, who had two children, Glenn and Katheryn. Together they had a son, Paul. While in Needles, Ellen Rae was active in the community. She and Milo managed several self-serve gas stations, while she served in church callings and was a Women’s Club member while being a busy mother and grandmother.

Ellen Rae loved music, she enjoyed classical and big band tunes. She loved roses and was honored to be a part of the annual Women’s Club Flower Show. She was especially proud of her roses, winning one year. Her favorite rose was the American Beauty and she had several of them growing in her yard.

She was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints serving within several positions of the Relief Society and the Sunday school organizations in the Needles ward. She was a leader and teacher to more than just the members of the church. She was willing to share the wisdom of the church and its leaders with family and friends.

Ellen Rae was a community leader. As an active member and Needle’s Women’s Club President, she chaired rummage sales, flower shows, tea parties and many other events during her years of involvement. Possibly her proudest moment was when the Chamber of Commerce awarded her “Citizen of the Year” for Needles, California.

Ellen Rae was preceded in death by her sister, Enid (Boyd) Hatch; brothers, Ted (Iona) Williams and Boyd (Jean) Williams; her husbands, John T. Hanegan and Milo Johnson; and her son, Patrick Hanegan.

She is survived by her sons, John (IIona) Hanegan, Glenn (Carmen) Johnson, Paul (Jessica) Johnson; daughters, Katheryn (Duane, deceased) Wheeler and Kathryn (Scott) Lewis; 22 grandchildren 35 great grandchildren and 22 great-great grandchildren.

Ellen Rae will be interred at Riverview Cemetery in Needles, California. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date when the current restrictions on gathering have been lifted.