Juanita M. Hillstrom, 89, passed away peacefully to meet her Savior on April 22, 2020. She was born on July 22, 1930 to Orbin and Mary P. (Williams) Johnson in Ellensburg. She graduated from Kittitas High in 1948.
She work at Penney’s and a bank in Ellensburg. When she was 20 her older sister, Mable, introduced her to a handsome young man who was a shoe salesman at Penney’s in Yakima. After a brief courtship of a few months, they were married on June 10, 1951. They enjoyed almost 42 years together before he passed away on April 27, 1993.
The couple lived in Yakima for the first few years, but the majority of their lives resided in Selah. Nita worked about 5 years as a Selah Jr. High parapro in the late 60’s, but mostly enjoyed being a wife and mother at home. She also cared for her parents and Eric’s mom when they lived in mobile homes on the property.
She was a member of Selah Covenant Church for many years and involved in various women’s ministries. She and Eric enjoyed traveling—especially a trip to Sweden with close friends. They also made several trips to Saskatchewan, Canada, Eric’s birthplace. In addition, she appreciated taking a trip with friends to the east coast to view the autumn foliage.
She was preceded in death by her newborn brother, parents Orbin and Mary Johnson, sister Mable Nygaard, and husband Eric Hillstrom.
She leaves behind many friends, as well as children Mary Lynn Root (Dave, deceased), Norm (Sue), and Merv (Lana) Hillstrom. Grandchildren Aaron (Samantha), Ryan(Rachel), Kelle(Shelby), Brandon(Lisa), Jeffrey(Andreea), Emily(Mat), Stephanie, and Andrew. She has 5 great-grands and a 6th was born after her passing.
A private family graveside service was held last year. Memorial gifts could be made to Selah Covenant Church, Wenatchee Lighthouse Mission, or the Yakima Union Gospel Mission.
Juanita had a humble heart, a ready smile, encouraging word, and a prayer for everyone. It could truly be said of her by our Lord, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
