Evelyn (Hillyard) Johnson, 91 years of age, died on Friday, May 8, 2020, at the Montesano Health and Rehabilitation Center in Montesano, Washington. Evelyn was born on July 16, 1928, in Richmond Cache Valley, Utah to Neal Jacobsen and Lucile (Duce) Hillyard.
Evelyn attended Park Grade School for eight years in Lewiston, Utah, one year in Junior High School, and then three years at North Cache High School in Richmond, Utah prior to attending one year at Utah State University in Logan, Utah. As a young lady she read Nancy Drew mysteries and animal stories, loved horses and grew up being surrounded by and taking care of by her three brothers, but always the apple of her father’s eye. She also roller skated, helped run errands for her mother, and assisted in herding the family sheep.
Evelyn was married to Willis Farley Johnson on Sept. 2, 1947 at the Salt Lake City Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The family resided in Logan, Utah, then La Verkin, Utah, next Spring Glen, Utah, after which they made a grand move to the state of Washington, starting in Granite Falls, Washington. They moved to Raymond, Washington prior to coming to the harbor where she resided in Aberdeen, Washington and then Hoquiam, Washington. Evelyn had been a stay-at-home wife and mother that allowed her to properly raise their children.
The most memorable times of her life was her childhood years in the rural neighborhood area of Richmond, Utah. She was proud of giving birth to six children and watching them grow up into young adults, as well as seeing her grandchildren become young adults and then parents. She fondly remembers their pictures, letters, phone calls, and gifts. She became very crafty, taking advantage of every scrap of material to make stuffed animals, scrap books, baby dolls, and Christmas decorations for her grandchildren. Her warm smile and sincerity were gifts to all who met her.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Willis Farley Johnson; son, Louis Farley Johnson; a daughter, Mary Eliza Johnson White; and three brothers, Neil Jacobsen Hillyard Jr., Ira William Hillyard and Arland Duce Hillyard.
Evelyn is survived by a son, Joel Hillyard Johnson of Poway, California (currently working in Beijing); three daughters, Jeannine Johnson Rupe of Elma, Washington, Lois Elaine Johnson Wyse of Sammamish, Washington and Michelle Anne Johnson of Hoquiam, Washington, 24 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren
A private committal will be at Hoquiam’s Sunset Memorial Park.
A memorial service will be held later when all can gather safely.
Arrangements are by the Coleman Mortuary, 422 5th Street in Hoquiam, Washington.
Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the on line guest register at www.colemanmortuary.net.
