Ellen Victoria (Benson) Johnson passed peacefully into the presence of her Savior on July 16, 2016 at Highline Medical Center in Burien, Washington. She was 98.

Born on June 22, 1918 in Wausa, Nebraska, Ellen was the fourth of five children of her parents, Olof and Hilda Benson. She experienced a delightful childhood on the family farm with brother Evald and sisters Evelyn, Lillian and Ruth Elvera (Vera). At age 16, Ellen left Wausa for Omaha to serve as a family's live-in helper. Later Ellen was also employed as a secretary/office assistant for a watch factory, boat works, bank and pharmacy. In 1955, Ellen returned home to Wausa to care for her aging parents. Following their passing, Ellen remained in Wausa until 1978 when she met and married widower Carl Morris Johnson and moved to Vashon, Washington. Ellen and Morris enjoyed fifteen wonderful years together before Morris' death in 1993. Ellen remained on Vashon Island and was active in the Vashon-Maury Island Garden Club, the Vashon Senior Center and Bethel Church. The last years of Ellen's life were spent at Vashon Community Care Center where she received excellent support and found much joy.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, her four siblings and her husband. She is survived by step-sons Vernon (Helen) Johnson and Kenneth (Jan) Johnson, and step-daughter Lois Nystrom, as well as numerous step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren and step-great-great-grandchildren. Ellen is also lovingly survived by nieces and nephews and extended family in Nebraska and around the world.

A memorial celebration will be held on Friday, August 19, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Bethel Church, 14736 Bethel Lane, Vashon WA. A light lunch reception will follow. All are welcome to attend to celebrate Ellen's life and homegoing. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Vashon Community Care Foundation.