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Eleanor Johnson, 89

Eleanor Johnson of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family at her home on April 10, 2019. Eleanor was born Feb. 19, 1930, to O.G. and Martha Henderson in Oakland, Calif. She grew up and graduated high school in the Napa Valley. After attending some college she moved to San Francisco, where she went to work for the Southern Pacific Railroad. She met the love of her life, Clarence “Bud” Johnson while he was stationed in San Francisco for the Army. They married soon after on April 4, 1953, in the Napa Valley. The couple settled in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and had two children. They built a beautiful life together and just marked 66 years of marriage. Clarence worked at Kaiser Aluminum, which afforded the family generous vacation time. They embarked on many wonderful extended vacations back to Eleanor’s home state of California and camped all along the Oregon Coast. Later on, they were fortunate enough to be able to bring their motorhome and fishing boat to their good friends, Dick and Vinnie Hutchinson’s lot around Lake Coeur d’Alene, for fun-filled summers with their grandchildren.

Besides camping and traveling, Eleanor had many interests. She enjoyed watching Gonzaga basketball and ’49ers football, spending time tending to her garden and yard, and painting and instilling a love of painting ceramics in her eldest granddaughter. As of late, she loved tooling around the lake after stopping at her favorite coffee place, Jitterz or her weekly shopping trips to Fred Meyer. But her favorite spot would have to be Higgens Point. Eleanor and Bud loved to park there and watch the boats with their beloved dog, Cookie. Eleanor was most content sitting and watching her great-grandchildren run around her beautiful backyard. Eleanor was an extraordinary wife, mother, grandma, and great-grandma, always putting her family’s happiness above all else. She leaves behind wonderful memories that we will treasure forever and she will be greatly missed.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents and brother, David “Buster” Henderson. She is survived by her husband, Clarence, whom she often called “Daddy;” sister, Beverly Franco of California; her son, Steve “Gus” Johnson of Post Falls, Idaho; daughter, Susan K. Smith of Rathdrum, Idaho; grandchildren, Lanay (Reese) Hodge of Post Falls, Tanner (Alisha) Rowley of Post Falls, Heather Williams of Spokane Valley, Wash., Travis (Brittany) Eakin of Rathdrum and Larisa (Dennis) Goodwin Welling of Post Falls. Eleanor also leaves behind 10 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to those from Hospice of North Idaho that so lovingly cared for Eleanor during her final weeks at home. The family also wishes that, in lieu of flowers, any donations be made to Hospice of North Idaho, 2290 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815.

No service is planned. A celebration of her life will take place at a later date. Eleanor wished to say to all, “I have had a wonderful time.”

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Eleanor’s online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.