Donna Mae (Silver) Johnston

Feb. 1, 1939 –– April 24, 2017

Donna Mae (Silver) Johnston died April 24, 2017, at the Wallowa Memorial Hospital. A memorial service and potluck were held April 29 at the Wallowa Senior Center.

Donna Mae was born Feb. 1, 1939, with her twin brother Donald, to Ralph and Juanita (Werst) Silver in La Grande, Ore. The twins were so small they both fit in one of their father’s shoe boxes. Ralph could take his wedding band and slide it over Donna Mae’s foot.

The family lived in Wallowa on a ranch where she spent her entire childhood.

Donna Mae graduated from Wallowa High School in 1957. She was a cheerleader and went by the nickname Daisy Mae. She attended college in Spokane before returning to Wallowa to begin working in the local bank as a teller.

She had three children: Bobbie Lou (Kenny) Baker of Wallowa, Schevelle (Ken) Wortman of Wallowa and Ralph (Loretta) Hewett of Richland, Ore.

On April 14, 1972, she married Perry Melvin Johnston, the love of her life. Together they ranched and farmed, raising sheep and cattle on their ranch in Wallowa. They spent each day together working in the lambing barn, working the fields and enjoying the life they both loved.

She was active in the 4-H programs, rural fire district, tri-county wool pool and numerous other organizations. She enjoyed socializing and having a good time. She loved dancing, horseback riding and four-wheeler trips.

Donna Mae is survived by her husband Perry of 45 years, daughters Bobbie Lou Baker and Schevelle Wortman and son Ralph Hewett. She had eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was known as “mom” to many local kids while her own children were growing up.

Donna Mae was proceeded in death by her parents Ralph and Juanita Silver, her twin Donald Silver, her grandson Jeromie Bunch and great-grandson Kaen Wortman.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wallowa Valley Senior Living, Wallowa County 4-H or charity of choice.

Bollman Funderal Home of Enterprise is in charge of arrangements.