Marlene Yvonne Johnson passed away peacefully on September 6, 2019.

Marlene was born to Dale and Eledice Douglas on October 1, 1934 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She had an older brother, Jim Douglas, and a younger sister, Shirley Douglas.

Her father, Dale, found work in the oil fields in Los Alamos so the family moved to California in 1939. Marlene grew up in the small town and graduated from Santa Maria High School at just 16 years old.

While growing up in Los Alamos, she met and dated Oakley Giffin until he went away into the Air Force. She married long haul trucker driver Cecil John Johnson in 1951. They had three children, Tonja, Lynn and Michael. The marriage of John and Marlene eventually dissolved. In 1988, Oak and Marlene rekindled their love that started back in the 1940s. Marlene moved up to Fortuna, California to be with Oakley, and in 1989 they got married.

Marlene went on to teach her grandchildren Jennifer, Jason, Michael, Jacob and Jessica how to play poker and to use cuss words appropriately, and that hard work will get you anywhere in life. She was also known for her pearls of wisdom. Marlene was known for her expertise with a knitting machine — she loved to make pot holders and quilts for her family.

Marlene also loved the Sacramento Kings.

Marlene is survived by her children Tonja Engel, Lynn McCracken, and Michael Johnson, her grandchildren, Jennifer Bailey (Brandon), Michael Johnson, Jacob Johnson and Jessica Johnson, her great grandchildren Hayden and Liam, and Jayson Johnson, and Teyler and Kate Bailey, and her niece Janelle Merman (Jim).

Marlene didn’t want those to mourn her, but rather, celebrate her sassy self with good country music, a good cuss word or two, and a smile.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Jason Dale Triumphant Return Scholarship set up at College of the Redwoods in memory of her grandson Jason Johnson. 7351 Tompkins Hill Road, Eureka, CA 95501.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Marlene’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.