JOHNSON, Belle Leota

Belle Leota Johnson passed away quietly at her home in Halfway July 10th, 2014. Belle was born in New Bridge, Oregon on August 24th, 1916 to Lewis Simonis and Ida (Simmons) Simonis. She joined brothers Otis and George, and sisters Mary and Ardie. Belle attended Sunnyside Grade School, and Eagle Valley High School through tenth grade. In 1932 she married Lorval Johnson in Baker, and would be with him for the next sixty-three years. Lorval and Belle had two children, Leland and Barbara. Through the years Lorval’s work found the family moving numerous times. From New Bridge to various places in Eagle Valley, to Dry Creek, then to Cornucopia, and finally down to the river near Robinette in 1940. At Rocky Cove, the family farmed and raised fruits and vegetables and livestock. In 1948, they moved to Weiser, and managed a garage and gas station. A year later they returned to Rocky Cove, where Belle ran the packing house, while Lorval worked the fields. Crates of garden produce went through the packing process in Belle’s care. It was obvious she had a natural talent for growing and harvesting fruits, vegetables, and various crops. The Brownlee Dam Project relocated the Johnsons to Pine Valley in 1957, where they farmed and ranched until Lorval’s health necessitated his retirement. In the early 1970’s, Belle purchased the Dew Drop Inn (now D&D Auto Parts). It became the hang-out for the high school kids and became “The Spartan House”. After selling the Drive-In, the next venture was the Jimtown Store, which her and Lorval owned for a short time. In addition to gardening and farming, Belle had many other talents. She had a special skill when it came to cooking. On the river, she prepared meals for large work crews with ease, so when it came to cooking for family and friends, Belle always had time for everyone. She spent some years painting, and had a natural talent there as well. But Belle is best known for her sewing, embroidery, and quilting creations. She won many blue ribbons in garden produce for years at the annual Fair, but her quilts consistently caught everyone’s eye. But most of all, she will be remembered for her kindness and caring disposition. Those who knew Belle experienced her loving nature and will always think of her that way. She was preceded in death by husband Lorval; her parents, two brothers and two sisters, her daughter Barbara, grandson Kirk, and infant grandson Tony. Belle is survived by her son Leland of Newport Beach, California; grandson Lee also of Newport Beach; grandson Blake Dennis and wife Kellie of Halfway; granddaughter Nancy Denig and husband Joe of Halfway; thirteen great grandchildren, and six great, great grandchildren. A Graveside Service was held on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at the Pine Haven Cemetery in Halfway, Oregon. For those who wish to make a donation in Belle’s memory, the family suggests the Halfway/Oxbow Ambulance Fund through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services PO Box 543, Halfway, Oregon 97834. Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com therconline.com 17 July 2014