Florence Edna Johnston

Florence Johnston Dies in Colorado

Memorial service for Florence Edna Johnston, a Niobrara homesteader, was conducted in Newcastle Saturday. Mrs. Johnston died Nov. 9 at the Grand Junction, (Colo.) Osteopathic Hospital.

She was born August 15, 1901, at Arnold, Neb., to Frederick and Abbie Beardsley. She grew up and attended school there, and on Jan. 12, 1921, married Jay Burton Prell who died in 1950. In 1929 they came to Wyoming and homesteaded in Niobrara County, later moving to Newcastle.

On June 3, 1953, she married Frank Johnston, also a rancher and long time friend and neighbor. After Frank's death in 1971 Florence moved to Grand Junction, Colo. to make her home with a daughter.

Mrs. Johnston was a long-time active member and past president of the "Sagebrush Pals" women's club, she received a 25-year active service award from the Home Demonstration Club in 1966. She was a past president of the Niobrara County Cowbelles, a member of the Niobrara County Hospital Auxiliary, and member of the Rebekah Lodge.

The Rev. Joseph L. Easton officiated at the memorial service. Music was provided by Rhonda Sedgwick, organist and Robert Dean Johnson who sang "The Old Rugged Cross," "In the Garden," and "Stop and Smell the Roses."

Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery, Newcastle. Pallbearers were Martin Tysdal, Fred Bagley, Rick Shank, Keith Hoey, Dallas Todd and Allan Burke. Honorary bearers were Ted Schmidt, Rollie Sadler, LeRoy Black, Clayton Dixon, Lew Landkamer, Grant Ward, Clyde Peterson and Jim Thompson.

Mrs. Johnston was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Jay Prell, her second husband, Frank Johnston and five brothers, five sisters, one son, George Prell, two grandsons, one granddaughter, and one great-granddaughter.

She is survived by one brother, Daniel Beardsley, 91, of Broken Bow, Neb., three sons, Glen and Edwin Prell of Powell; Bill Prell of Moorcroft; three daughters, Abbie Chastain of Sheridan, Edith Shepherd and Flossie Shackelfrud of Grand Junction, Colo.; 22 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren.

Memorial may be given to the building fund of the Grand Junction Osteopathic Hospital of Grand Junction, Colo.; 1065 Walnut Ave.

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