In Loving Memory of Stephan Charles Johnston, “Grizz”

Stephan Charles Johnston, “Grizz”, age 64, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 3, 2019 surrounded by family and friends after a courageous battle with cancer.  Steve was born in La Mesa, California, but lived the majority of his life in Fremont County, Colorado.  He retired from the Department of Corrections in 2014, then spent his retirement years enjoying the outdoors.  Some of his greatest enjoyments during those years was his time spent camping, hunting, and fishing with Donda, his brothers, and his friends.  He enjoyed all things outdoors as well as his coin collecting hobby.  Steve was known for his sense of humor, humility, and honesty.  He will be remembered for his generous heart, collecting and buying baseball gloves for Little League teams, raising 4-H lambs, and tending to the land and animals on his farm.  After three years of marriage, then separation of over twenty years, Donda and Steve reunited in marriage once again, spending the remaining years as if they had never parted.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Noma and Charles Johnston; his parents Edna and Norman Johnston and by his wife Rhonda Johnston.

Steve is survived by his wife Donda of the home; by daughter Monica Ragsdale of Florence; brothers, Roger Johnston and David Johnston of Colorado Springs; and many other family and friends.

The Family would like to thank nurses Kim and Brittney of Sangre De Cristo Hospice, and dear friend Shwanette Weltz for the care and support provided during Steve’s final journey.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00pm Friday, March 1, 2019 at the Elks Lodge, 131 East Front Street, Florence, Colorado.

Arrangements are under the direction of Return to Nature Funeral Service, Canon City, Colorado www.returntonaturecolorado.com