Elda Lorraine Johnson-Murrow

Elda Lorraine Johnson-Murrow, age 87, a 67-year resident of Colville, WA passed away on December 19, 2025. She was born on March 3, 1938 in Allen, SD the daughter of Van and Delia Viola (Bartlett) Simmons.

Elda was raised in Martin, SD where she attended school and graduated in 1956 from Bennett County High School. Following high school, Elda married Jack Johnson and they resided in communities across South Dakota and North Dakota following Jack's work in road construction. They began a family and moved to Colville, WA in 1958. Elda worked in the home raising her growing family and later worked retail sales at JCPENNEY store in Colville. She worked there for several years before purchasing the House of Fabric in Colville. Elda sold the fabric store after a couple of years. She then worked alongside her husband, Jack, in their ownership and operation of J & J Automotive. She assisted with towing, shop work and kept the books. They retired and became snowbirds to Yuma, AZ in the winter. They traveled south for a few years and eventually nestled in for the winters in Colville. Jack preceded Elda in death in 2008. Colville was her home and so she remained close to family in the community. Elda's retirement job lasted over two decades as she ran parts and helped customers find parts and place orders at CarQuest/Empire Auto Parts. She retired at the age of 86.

Elda was known by many as "Mom" and "Grandma" a list of individuals that extended well beyond her own children and grandchildren. Her "How ya doin?" will be recalled fondly by the countless individuals she greeted. Elda never spoke ill of others and had a constant smile that lifted hearts and caused uncontrollable grinning around her. She loved to garden and sew and could also create needlepoint and embroidery accoutrements. . Her room was filled with novels of mystery and romance and every topic in between. She spent many weekends boating and camping with her growing family over the years. Elda was a "Spunky Saint" who was outgoing, joyous and on a regular occasion "a bit ornery" She had a wonderful wisdom of the years past and a fondness of the years ahead.

Elda was preceded in death by her husband, Jack and her siblings, Earl Simmons, Alvin Simmons, Beatrice McCoy and Doreen.

She is survived by her children; Douglas Johnson (Barbara) of Spokane, WA, Leslie Harrington of Kettle Falls, WA, DeVonne Smith (Brian) of Deer Lake, WA, Pat Johnson of Colville, WA, Eric Johnson of Deer Lake, WA, Warren Johnson of Colville, WA, William Johnson of Colville, WA; several grandchildren, great grandchildren and two great-great grandchild; siblings, Walter Simmons (Sandy) of Nebraska, Vernon Simmons of Martin, SD and Elmer Simmons of Martin, SD, numerous nieces, nephews and a host of extended family.

There are no services scheduled at this time. Memorial contributions may be given to the Diabetes Foundation. Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.