Dolly Nan Johnstone

Born in Chouteau Oklahoma (within the Cherokee Nation) to Burl Wesley Root and Tillie Mary Kuhlmen Root. Dolly was the third youngest of 8 children of this union.

The dust bowl struck the Midwest when she was a child and her family moved west in search of work. Her father was a farmer, and the family followed the crops westward eventually landing in California. Coming from a farming family she, like others of that era, worked in the fields and orchards to survive. It is through her work in the orchards that she met her husband of 53 years, Everett E Johnston.

Together they made a life together and raised their family. Much like what brought Dolly to California, she and Everett relocated throughout the area for work to support their family. She continued to work in the orchards and canneries to help support the growing family. Dolly was a hard-working woman that never shied away from a challenge. She had a loving heart and a enchant for cooking and caring for others which led her to meeting and working for the late Reverend Coffey in his church's rest home in Freedom.

To relax, she enjoyed spending time with family and friends doing any number of activities. She loved arts and crafts and had her own ceramics' shop in the family home where she made and sold a variety of ceramic items.

Dolly was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, husband Everett, daughter Caroline Espindola, son Burl Johnston, grandson Bryan Martin and granddaughter Tina Dias. She leaves behind Rosemary Johnston, Rosemarie Pharr, Shirley Johnston, and Pamela (Jim) Dias. In addition, she leaves 10 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mehl's Colonial Chapel in Watsonville. Services will be October 7 at 12:00 noon followed by burial at Pioneer Cemetery in Watsonville.

Published in The Pajaronian · September 15, 2022