Gayle E. Johnson

Gayle Erliene Johnson, a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, passed away unexpectedly on September 6, 2024 in Newberg, Oregon at the age of 75. Gayle was born in Vancouver, Washington on October 11, 1948 to Virgil and Oma Romine. She spent her childhood in Camas, WA, eventually moving to Scappoose, Oregon where she spent the remainder of her childhood. Gayle displayed an early interest in finance and with hard work was successful in the span of her career, working for: Cargill Grain Inc., Cook Industries, and Providence Newberg Hospital, the latter of which she spent 30 years working for and retired as the accounting manager. Gayle married her great love, Eric Johnson, on June 24, 1972. Together they raised their children, Darci, Lindsay and Kris. Gayle cherished the role of being a mother and became ecstatic when her family grew with the addition of her sons-in law, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. She perfected an annual “Family Camp” rafting trip to which every family member looked forward to. She enjoyed traveling with Eric to visit her kids and grandchildren, then expanding her travel across the United States, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. When not spending time nurturing her family and extended family, Gayle embarked on a new journey of nurturing her church family at Zion Lutheran Church. Gayle volunteered as the wedding coordinator, funeral coordinator, Care and Concerns team member and church bus outreach for picking up members needing transportation to attend church. Gayle led the proposal and fundraising for the church bus because she saw the need to transport elderly and homebound members to church. Gayle’s faith in Jesus Christ continued to bless her friends and family, as well as her own spiritual well-being. She prayed often for the wellbeing of her friends, family and church family. What Gayle did not do in prayer, she did in actions. Whether it was hosting ladies’ luncheons, making monster cookies for church, friends, lacrosse games or family, hosting Thanksgiving dinner and making sure everyone had a place to go. Gayle made you feel like you were special and loved unconditionally. Our family has no doubt of Gayle’s love, just as she told us God loved us too. The light of her life for the past 18 months has been her beloved dog Sophie. We ask that you remember and honor Gayle to lead with kindness, faith and love. Gayle was preceded in death by her parents, Oma and Virgil Romine, and her brother Terry Romine. Gayle is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Eric Johnson and their children, daughter Darci Fitzke (Todd), grandchildren Beau, Brooklyn and Lauren, daughter Lindsay Williamson (Troy) grandchildren Wyatt, Jack, Kate and Molly and son Kris Johnson (Hillary) and grandchildren Isak and Tate. Gayle is also survived by her niece Kimberly Ortega and her nephew Guy Romine. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Christine Haynsworth, brother-in-law Carl Johnson and nephew Alfred (Ilse) Johnson and niece Laura Johnson, her church family and many friends. A memorial service for Gayle will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church in Newberg, OR at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Zion Lutheran Church Attn: Church Bus Fund

Gayle E. Johnson

October 11, 1948 - September 6, 2024