Helen L. Johnston (Thayer)

Helen L. Johnston (Thayer) December 1, 1919 ~ May 31, 2014 Lyons, Oregon Resident. Helen was born to Edward and Ethel (Grimes) Thayer at their home in “Weasel Flat”. She grew up on her family’s farm helping her parents by caring for her younger siblings. She attended school in Weasel Flat through 8th grade. Helen met Hugh Johnston in 1935 at the Jordan Dance Hall. They were married in 1939 and celebrated 70 years together. They made their home in Lyons, Oregon. Helen was a homemaker and did the books for her husbands business. She found great pleasure in gardening, canning, quilting, sewing and helping the community. She would always say “there is some good in everyone”. She was a member of the Lyons Methodist Church, Lyons Garden Club, Rebecca Lodge, Eastern Star and volunteered on the Lyons Fire District auxiliary. She was preceded in death by husband Hugh Johnston and son Kenton Johnston. Survived daughter, Kathryn Sutherland (Fred) of Vancouver, WA; sons Tom Johnston (Jan) of Fountain Hills, AZ and Bob Johnston (Debbie) of Lyons, OR; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Helen was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will be dearly missed. Memorial service will be at Weddle Funeral Home, June 29, 2014 at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Lyons Fire District or ARC of Benton County. Arrangements entrusted to Weddle Funeral Services Stayton, OR.