Clear, 38° F
(Jan. 5, 2008)
Former Powell resident Ruey “Opal” Johnson died at her Prineville, Ore., home on Jan. 5. She was 86.
She was born in Powell on Dec. 1, 1921, to Albert Roy and Ruey Melba (Goodwin) Burns. She was raised and educated in Powell, graduating from Powell High School. She married Hershel H. Claudson in Red Lodge, Mont., on Aug. 24, 1943.
After the end of World War II, they farmed on Heart Mountain until her husband died in 1963.
Years later, she and a childhood friend, Albert Johnson, finding themselves alone, rekindled an old friendship and were married in Kinnear, Wyo., on Aug. 1, 1968. They moved to Prineville in May of 1969.
Opal was a member of the First Baptist Church, but in later years regularly attended Prineville Community Church with her family. She was active in the Christian ministry, playing the piano, teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She was also involved in Child Evangelism and Christian Women’s Club.
Opal was a homemaker. She enjoyed growing and arranging flowers, listening to Gospel music, crocheting and spending time with her family.
Survivors include her husband, Albert E. Johnson Jr. of Prineville; sons, Rommie Claudson and wife Joyce of Cody, Garen Claudson of Prineville and Rick Claudson and wife Tina of Prineville; daughters, Claudean Green and husband Tom of Prineville and Beverly I. McKinnley and husband Steve of Soldotna, Alas.; 112 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, twin sons and her first husband.
Memorial contributions may be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship, Ponderosa Chapter, PO Box 737, Gilchrist, OR 97737.
