Elroy Johnson

September 15, 1924 - March 12, 2010

In Memory of Elroy Johnson Merritt Elroy Johnson was born the son of Ralph and Eva (Haight) Johnson on Monday, September 15, 1924 in Bashaw, Canada. Elroy grew up and went to school in Newberg. After graduating from high school, Elroy joined the U.S. Navy and served on a troop transport ship. He was honorably discharged and returned to Newberg where he worked with his parents and family making and moving log rafts on the Willamette River. In 1945 Merritt married Mary Grace Dixon, and they made their home in Newberg. He went to work for Portland General Electric in 1948 where he worked as a lineman. In 1984 he retired after 35 years of service in the company. After retirement, Elroy and his family had a farm west of Dundee. He enjoyed gardening, using the tractor and going to garage sales. He was a fisherman and they had a vacation home in Alaska. On Friday, March 12, 2010, Merritt Elroy Johnson died at Providence Newberg Medical Center when he was eighty-five years, five months and twenty-five days of age. Surviving and left to honor his life are: his wife, Mary Grace Johnson of Dayton; two daughters, Carol Chaffer of Dayton and Nancy Marugg of Newberg; his brother Robert Johnson of Newberg; seven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and those who have come to know and appreciate him where he has lived and worked. His daughter Beverly Turner; his brother Elden Johnson; and his sister Ruby Page preceded him in death. His Funeral Service will be Friday, March 19, at 2:00 p.m. in Newberg Nazarene Church. A family committal will follow in Valley View Memorial Park and Mausoleum, Newberg. Chapel Viewing and Visitation hours are Wednesday and Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Attrell's Newberg Funeral Chapel, a Golden Rule funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Yamhill County Gospel Rescue Mission c/o Attrell's Newberg Funeral Chapel, 207 Villa Road, Newberg, Oregon 97132. Copy to: Newberg Graphic/ News Register/ Oregonian form