1921
2017
301 East Third Avenue
Ellensburg, Washington
On Thursday, August 3rd, 2017 at approximately 9 p.m., Harriet Johnston left her family and friends on earth to join those she cherished in her life that passed before her. She exited this life in the same blessed way that she was allowed to live it: passing peacefully in her bed at home surrounded by loved ones.
Born Harriet Gardinier on April 1, 1921 at the High Valley Ranch to Ruby Gardinier and Calvin Gardenier; Harriet spent her earliest years playing and working on the farm with her two sisters, Emma Louisa (Gardinier) Hauenstein and Maryan Gardinier Sorenson. As a small child in the 19205, she could not anticipate how much of her life would be shaped by the events of The Great Depression and WWII nor how her small- town existence would change immeasurably after marrying George Bernard Brain of Thorp, WA in 1941. Harriet's life with Dr. George Brain would take her away from Ellensburg for the next several decades to places all over the world, meeting many unique peoples. Harriet developed a true passion for life and due to that passion, she became a master conversationalist; routinely inquiring of her visitors: where they'd been, what they were doing, and what the planned to do next. She was always fascinated by every answer and made her guests feel as if they were always the most important person in the room.
George and Harriet returned to Ellensburg in the 1980s and lived quietly on The Grass Roots Farm until George's passing in 2011. Then Harriet was blessed again in life with a rare chance to reunite with her high school sweetheart, Bob Johnston, and rekindle a romance they started 75 years previously. Bob and Harriet were married September 27, 2014.
Harriet is survived by her husband, Bob Johnston, her two children; George Calvin Brain and Marylou Seeman; her three grandchildren Tiffany Ann Brain, Tracey Lee Schneringer, James Hurt Mundy V; and three great grandchildren, Blake Schneringer, Brock Schneringer, and Tyson Mundy.
The family wishes to give special thanks to the generous caregiving efforts of Lois Beckmann, Rebekah Carney and her son, Leo, who brought invaluable joy to Harriet in her last year on earth.
Services for Harriet will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 19th, at Steward and Williams Tribute Center.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Johnston & Williams Funeral Home & Crematory - Ellensburg.
2 Entries
August 10, 2017
Brittany
My condolences to Harriets family. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived
August 9, 2017
Laura Perry
My condolences to Bob and family. I was touched by Harriet's gentle spirit. May you find peace and comfort during this time.
PSR at KVH Family Medicine
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Johnston & Williams Funeral Home & Crematory - Ellensburg301 East Third Avenue, Ellensburg, WA 98926
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