Sweet Home Funeral Chapel
  (formerly Workman & Steckly)
  1443 Long Street
  Sweet Home, Oregon 97386
  (541) 367-2891
  (541) 367-4095 Fax
  E-mail: Mac Olsen, Funeral Director

  Visa and MasterCard Accepted

Russell Glen Johnston, age 93, of Sweet Home, Oregon died Thursday, July 3, 2008 in an Albany care center. He was born March 29, 1915 in Caldwell, Idaho; the son of Ray Johnston and Ruby Fivecoat.

As a child, Russell lived in several Idaho towns, but eventually ended up back in Caldwell to attend high school. Russell worked 33 years for the Idaho Department of Agriculture as an inspector of fruits and vegetables.

On July 6, 1954 he married the love of his life, Donna Keech, in Boise, Idaho. They moved to Homedale, Idaho to raise a blended family of a son and daughter from previous marriages. Their family was completed the following year with the birth of their son.

Russell was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a friend to everyone he met and enjoyed 27 years of volunteering for the Sweet Home Meals on Wheels program. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and spending time with his family.

Russell is survived by his wife, Donna of Sweet Home; sons, James of Canyon City, Oregon and Glenn of Boise, Idaho; daughter, Joleen Mahler of Sweet Home; brothers, Lloyd of Spokane, Washington and Nick of Sacramento, California; 11 grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by three sisters and one brother.

A viewing will be held at the Sweet Home Funeral Chapel on Sunday from 2:00-5:00 p.m. A graveside service is scheduled for Monday at 2:00 p.m., at Gilliland Cemetery.

Contributions can be made to Meals on Wheels serving the Sweet Home area.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements.