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Raymond Austin Johnson

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Birth	:	2 Jan 1924 Wood, Mellette County, South Dakota, USA
Death	:	3 Mar 2014 Spokane, Spokane County, Washington, USA
Burial	:	Lower Valley Memorial Gardens, Sunnyside, Yakima County, USA
Coordinate	:	46.3450012, -120.0117035
Description	:	Raymond Austin Johnson, age 90, of Sunnyside died Monday March 3, 2014 at Holy Family Hospital in Spokane, Washington. Ray was born in a farmhouse near Wood, South Dakota to Austin Walter Johnson and Lillian Johanna Wagner. He was the second of nine children. Ray's early education took place in South Dakota. He travelled daily to school several miles on horseback. His family relocated to Tensed, Idaho after the Midwest dust bowl of the 1930's and the great depression virtually eliminated any job opportunities and chances of prosperity. Ray continued his education in Tensed until the family moved to Mabton,... Read More	Raymond Austin Johnson, age 90, of Sunnyside died Monday March 3, 2014 at Holy Family Hospital in Spokane, Washington. Ray was born in a farmhouse near Wood, South Dakota to Austin Walter Johnson and Lillian Johanna Wagner. He was the second of nine children. Ray's early education took place in South Dakota. He travelled daily to school several miles on horseback. His family relocated to Tensed, Idaho after the Midwest dust bowl of the 1930's and the great depression virtually eliminated any job opportunities and chances of prosperity. Ray continued his education in Tensed until the family moved to Mabton, Washington. Ray's younger brother George described the move to Mabton as a move to "the Garden of Eden". Ray graduated from Mabton High School in 1942 and was valedictorian of the senior class. Ray worked at the Old National Bank in Sunnyside where he met his best friend and future wife Marie Olson. Father H.A. Reinhold officiated the marriage ceremony in February 1947. Ray and Marie spent more than 66 years together creating many unforgettable memories together. Ray placed a high priority on hard work and providing for his family. In 1952, Ray and Marie partnered with Marie's older sister Della Caton and her husband Harold to purchase the 410 Market in Sunnyside. They worked the business together for over 31 years retiring in 1983. Even though Ray truly loved farming, his most endearing passion was the great outdoors. He spent countless hours horseback riding and conducting pack trips to high mountain lakes on the back of his favorite Morgan horse "Shawalla Pride". Ray considered himself quite a handyman. His tool kit consisted of Liquid Steel Glue, Contact cement and duct tape. With these items, there was nothing that couldn't be repaired. Country music was a big part of Ray's life. He had an extensive collection of vinyl records which were a cherished possession. Marty Robbins, Ernest Tubb, Red Foley, and Cowboy Copas were Ray's country music heroes. He and Marie loved dancing together well into their golden years. For many years, Ray and Marie travelled the west coast enjoying their thoroughbred race horses. They found themselves in the winner's circle many times with Yankee Twister and No More Lemons. Ray absolutely loved fishing. He caught and landed virtually every species of fish in the western United States. Rumor has it that his tackle box should be insured and placed in the fishing Smithsonian institute. He particularly enjoyed salmon and steelhead fishing. One of his greatest joys came from taking his kids and grandkids fishing. Ray was the master chef at the barbeque. Countless delicacies always included his secret ingredients which he would not divulge even to his wife. Grilled Salmon, turkey, steaks, and chicken were all specialties of Chef Ray. Ray is survived by one son, Ron Johnson (Nancy) of Yakima, two daughters, Judy Reavis (Ethan) Spokane and Lori Sander of Yakima. Ray's youngest son, James (Tracia), of Tacoma, died in October 2009 in an automobile accident. Ray has nine grandchildren, Michael, Martin and Matthew Johnson, Jenni Wilbanks and Kyle Reavis, Mitchell and Nick Sander and Julia and Vanessa Johnson. He also has five great-grand children. Ray is also survived by his sisters Genny Rapp of Spokane, Dorothy (Fred) Rollinger of Yakima, Velma Sills of Issaquah, Washington and brothers George (Carol) of Sunnyside and youngest brother Bob (Graceann) of Palo Alto, California. Ray is predeceased by his parents Austin and Lillian Johnson, his wife Marie and his brothers Harold, Frank, and Ernie. In lieu of flowers those wishing to honor Ray's memory may contribute to the Sunnyside Fire Department. Viewing and visitation with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at Smith Funeral Home Chapel, Sunnyside, WA. Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Sunnyside, Washington with internment to follow at Lower Valley Memorial Gardens. Those wishing to sign Ray's on line memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com. Smith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Raymond Austin Johnson's memorial?
Raymond Austin Johnson's memorial is located at: Lower Valley Memorial Gardens, Sunnyside, Yakima County, USA.
When did Raymond Austin Johnson death?
Raymond Austin Johnson death on 3 Mar 2014 in Spokane, Spokane County, Washington, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Raymond Austin Johnson's memorial?
Latitude: 46.3450012
Longitude: -120.0117035

Family Members:

Parent

Austin Walter Johnson

(1894 - 1962)

Lillian J. Wagner Johnson

(1899 - 1989)

Spouse

Marie E Olson Johnson

(1926 - 2013)

Siblings

Harold Edmund Johnson

(1922 - 2003)

Dorothy M. Johnson Rollinger

(1927 - 2015)

Children

James C. “JJ” Johnson

(1965 - 2009)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Lower Valley Memorial Gardens
Sunnyside, Yakima County, USA
Coordinate: 46.3450012, -120.0117035

2. Holy Trinity Episcopal Close
Sunnyside, Yakima County, USA
Coordinate: 46.3235000, -120.0158500

3. Outlook Cemetery
Yakima, Yakima County, USA
Coordinate: 46.3208008, -120.0811005

4. Grandview Cemetery
Grandview, Yakima County, USA
Coordinate: 46.2658005, -119.8902969

5. Mabton Cemetery
Mabton, Yakima County, USA
Coordinate: 46.2285995, -119.9852982

6. Smohalla Cemetery
Toppenish, Yakima County, USA
Coordinate: 46.3009660, -120.2186250

7. Black Rock Cemetery
Moxee City, Yakima County, USA
Coordinate: 46.5111084, -119.9985962

8. Zillah German Baptist Cemetery
Zillah, Yakima County, USA
Coordinate: 46.4128550, -120.2506400

9. McCoy Cemetery
Toppenish, Yakima County, USA
Coordinate: 46.3835983, -120.2755966

10. Zillah Cemetery
Zillah, Yakima County, USA
Coordinate: 46.4055202, -120.2726072

11. Prosser Pioneer Cemetery
Prosser, Benton County, USA
Coordinate: 46.1947937, -119.8095245

12. Winnier Cemetery
Toppenish, Yakima County, USA
Coordinate: 46.3590060, -120.3192450

13. Elmwood Cemetery
Toppenish, Yakima County, USA
Coordinate: 46.3673830, -120.3334530

14. Prosser Cemetery
Prosser, Benton County, USA
Coordinate: 46.2047539, -119.7541504

15. Glade Cemetery
Yakima County, USA
Coordinate: 46.0778008, -120.0914001

16. Smina Cemetery
Yakima County, USA
Coordinate: 46.2372017, -120.4269028

17. Beaver Cemetery
Yakima County, USA
Coordinate: 46.0993996, -120.2866974

18. Holy Rosary Cemetery
Moxee City, Yakima County, USA
Coordinate: 46.5531006, -120.3585968

19. Holland Cemetery
Moxee City, Yakima County, USA
Coordinate: 46.5766983, -120.3861008

20. Meninick Cemetery
Yakima County, USA
Coordinate: 46.1981010, -120.4741974

21. Evergreen Cemetery
Benton City, Benton County, USA
Coordinate: 46.2867012, -119.4938965

22. Union Gap Cemetery
Yakima County, USA
Coordinate: 46.5209084, -120.4850998

23. Reservation Community Memorial Park
Wapato, Yakima County, USA
Coordinate: 46.4484291, -120.5375519

24. Toweatmy Cemetery
Toppenish, Yakima County, USA
Coordinate: 46.1794014, -120.5056000