Diane Ross Johnson

1936 - 2017

Diane Ross Johnson passed away peacefully at home in the arms of her husband, Ronald W. Johnson, on April 17, 2017.

Diane was born December 3, 1936, to Lemuel Tildon Ross and Gladys Irene Bourm-Ross.

Diane completed her master's in education and met and married the love of her life, Ronald W. Johnson, on April 6, 1963. They then started their wonderful family.

They eventually moved from Issaquah, Washington, to Port Angeles because of Ron's employment. Diane began searching for a parent-toddler program similar to one she and our son, Ron, had been enrolled in. After a few conversations with Barbara Clampett, the Peninsula program coordinator, Diane and Barbara developed a parent-toddler program for the family life curriculum.

After two years as a parent in the program, Diane was asked to become a parent educator in the family life program.

Diane joined the Peninsula College faculty as an associate in 1978. She later became a full faculty member and director of the college re-entry program.

Prior to her retirement in 1996, Diane was awarded the NISOD Excellence in Education Medal at the University of Texas in Austin. Upon retirement, she was awarded emeritus faculty status.

Diane was a strong advocate for early childhood and parent education. Through educating young parents how to parent, she could help them create a secure and loving environment, which is so vital to a child's healthy and happy development.

As the director of the re-entry program, Diane counseled students returning to the academic world after a long absence. Many of her students were women, and she felt a special need to help them succeed.

Years after her retirement, woman would approach her on the street or in stores and share how much that class had helped them.

Diane often referred to herself as a radical feminist. She believed women should be equal participants in all things, they should be independent and have the skills to support themselves. She was an advocate for equality all her life, gently pointing out the subtle things in society that treat women as less than men. Example: Whose name is listed on top of a joint checking account?

Diane loved music. She was a multi-instrumentalist, playing the guitar, violin, piano and hammered dulcimer. We spent 15 years in Arizona playing songs in different jam groups. She insisted on playing all our music from memory.

Diane was a quilter. She made a quilt for each grandchild as they graduated from high school. We always traveled to those graduations so she could enjoy the excitement of the event and watch the happy recipient with their new quilt. Sadly, she wasn't able to finish quilts Nos. 18 and 19.

Diane loved being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was constantly planning visits and family gatherings. One of her favorite memories was of the summers at Rose Lake, Idaho, with the grandkids.

We will miss her, her smile, her laugh, her loving hugs. She was an exceptional wife, mother and person.

The following was written by our niece when she learned of Diane's passing:

"Heaven claimed a remarkable human being today. A champion for the underrepresented, a visionary for change and a most progressive soul. I admired her zest for life. I will never forget her high energy and wonderful example of constant service to her family and community. You will be sorely missed on this earth Aunt Diane."

Diane was preceded in death by her mother and father, and her sisters Donna (Jim) Boyce and Dixie A. Ross.

She leaves behind sons Ronald Ross (Tonya) Johnson of Port Angeles, Robert D. Nelson of Sequim, David N. (Rebecca) Johnson of Austin, Texas, and James A (Tasia) Johnson of Elk City, Oklahoma; her sister Mary (David) Adolphsen; brother Gary Ross; 19 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, May 7, 2017, at 1 p.m. at the Elks Naval Lodge, 131 East First Street in Port Angeles.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Step Family Support Center, 325 East Sixth Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362; or Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County, 540 East Eighth Street, Port Angeles, WA, 98362.