Connie Elliott Johnson

Connie Elliott Johnson, 87, of Redmond and formerly of Elgin, died Dec. 11. A graveside service will be held at Bramlet Cemetery in Wallowa later.

Connie was born during a snowstorm on Jan. 1, 1923, at the Elliott ranch on Elliott Lane near Prineville. Premature, she was presumed to be still-born until great-grandma felt movement against her apron and rushed her to the warm kitchen.

She was the first child of Elbert and Thelma (Miller) Elliott. The family later moved to Lebanon.

After graduation from high school, Connie married Robert Morton. Together they farmed 80 acres. They had two sons, Steve Morton of Union and Dan Morton of Naches, Wash.; and daughters, Kathi McCann of Crooked River Ranch, Susie Williamson of Redmond and Sally Wolfenbarger of Lebanon.

In 1962, the family moved to Elgin, where she and husband, Bob, owned and operated Morton's Food Store. They later divorced.

Connie married Wade Johnson of Wallowa in 1975. They enjoyed traveling and later settled in Redmond. Wade died in 2003.

Connie was an active member of The Elgin Stampeders, The Pythian Sisters and the Indian Valley Paraders.

Connie loved gardening. Those who knew her say she had an astounding knowledge of botany and plant growth. She greatly valued her garden club friends, her kind neighbors and her large family.

Connie is survived by her brother, Robert Elliott of Lebanon; all her children; stepson, Wade (Corky) Johnson; 15 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous step-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her two husbands, parents, two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Her sister, Mary Lou Parker, followed her in death on Dec. 27. She was also preceded in death by brothers, Jim and John Elliott.

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