Linda June Johnston Obituary (2025)

Linda June Johnston was born on August 9, 1947, to Dale (Pick) and Estelle Anderson Blaine of Selah. She was the oldest of five girls. Linda passed away on April 27, 2025, at Multi-Care Memorial Hospital, after numerous health issues over the past six years. Her sister, Barb, and niece, Kelly, were with her as she died peacefully. The times were spent enjoying lots of get-togethers with the Blaine and Anderson families. Travelling once a year to visit family in Missouri. At one time there were 17 Blaine's (siblings and cousins) attending the Selah school system. Graduating 1 or more a year from 1963-1975. She graduated from Selah High School, class of 1965. After graduation, she moved to Seattle and worked for Albertson's, managing the bakery department. She then managed a variety of restaurants. Linda married Robert "Bob" Johnston on February 8, 1974. They lived in Yakima, Kirkland, and Renton, Washington. They enjoyed 42 years of marriage. Their travels took them across the United States. They especially enjoyed Hawaii and their condo in Lake Chelan. In 1974, she began her 43-year career in the insurance business. She started her career at Reliance Insurance in Federal Way, Washington. Linda consistently directed Liability, Property, Workers Compensation, and Recovery teams of professionals. Her job titles were numerous through the years. Linda was the Senior Litigation Specialist, Regional Liability Examiner Northwest Region, Assistant Manager Claims Federal Way, Washington, Litigation Supervisor Phoenix, Arizona, Regional Examiner Environmental Claims West, Claim Manager Recovery Services West. She was promoted seven times in one twelve-year period. She traveled to many states to attend meetings, training, and trials. She also Conducted Recovery training for claims staff in each of the 10 field offices. Linda chose defense counsel and directed and conferred with counsel for the effective litigation plan. Scheduled, planned, and attended judicial settlement conferences, mediations, arbitrations and trials. She was Designated Leader assigned to oversee the Reliance Specialty Ski Area Program. She also worked in concert with a local managing general agency and Lloyd's of London representatives, responsible for the oversight of Reliance's participation in this program, which included 145 ski areas, five ski binding manufacturers and five ski lift manufacturers. She assisted in building a national staff of subrogation attorneys to handle complex cases and litigated recoveries. Built and managed a team of 17 (three administrative staff). She Collected subrogation, contribution and salvage monies for 10 offices, which included 26 states. In one three-year period she was responsible for a staff of 54 professionals. At Mutual of Enumclaw, she began as Senior Adjuster and quickly moved to an Examiner, handling primarily construction defect claims. Linda later became a manager, overseeing several supervisors, until her retirement October 2017. In November 2017, she sold her house in Renton and moved back to Yakima to be near family. Linda is preceded in death by her husband, Bob Johnston, parents, Pick and Estelle Blaine, and youngest sister, Paula Bowers. She is survived by three sisters and brothers-in-law, Gloria (Gary) Blankenbaker of Mazama, WA, Barb (Gary) Lehman of Naches, WA, and Sandra (Craig) Powell of Kingston, WA., brother's-in-law, Jim Johnston and Bill Johnston, 25 nieces and nephews and to many first cousins to name. Last but not least childhood friends, Jerry Myers, Gay Harrison Johnson, and Kathy Hutchison Ziegler. They remained in constant contact until her death. Linda was a wonderful granddaughter, daughter, sister, niece, cousin, aunt, and friend. She was loving and always treated people with respect and kindness. Her family meant everything to her. Throughout her lifetime, we spent our days together laughing, telling stories, listening and singing our favorite songs. She never missed a family reunion, wedding, birthday party, or memorial. "The Circle will be Unbroken", we will forever be the 5 Blaine sisters. Linda's Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 2:00-5:00pm, at the Elk's Golf & Country Club in Selah, Washington. Brookside Funeral Home & Crematory is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at: www.brooksidefuneral.com.