Samantha J Johnston Obituary (2023)

It is with great sadness that we announce Samantha Jo Johnston, aged 35, passed away on October 11, 2023, at Cottage in the Meadow. Sam was born on May 11, 1988, in Yakima, Washington. She grew up in Selah, Washington, and resided in the valley until her passing. For her entire life Sam looked for any excuse to be outdoors. Whether it was tearing around pastures on an ATV, gardening, fishing, or adopting any animal she could get her hands on, Sam was happiest getting her hands dirty and being in nature. She especially loved sunflowers, planting them yearly and looking for them everywhere because, as she said, no matter what they always faced the sunshine. Sam was a vibrant, loving caretaker in every sense of the word. She made every birthday special and every holiday magical. Between the meals cooked, cookies baked, or personalized handmade gifts, you always knew she was thinking of and supporting you. Sam would go to any length to improve someones life with her quick humor and loving warmth. Her greatest joy in life was being a devoted mother to her two incredible children. She gave them everything, including her passion for music, resilience, sense of humor, and kind hearts. Samantha is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Samuel and Mildred Boyd, and her paternal grandfather, Jerry Johnston Jr. She is survived by her two beautiful children, Baylee and Cash, mother, Patricia Robertson (Scott), father, Jerry Johnston III (Kelly Neilson), sisters, Janelle Johnston, Bonnie Robertson (Blake Ward), and Lynea Sanchez (Francisco), grandmother, Janice Johnston, father-in-law, Kelly Cupples (Jennifer Garcia), nephews, Liam and Kane West, and an enormous number of heartbroken family and friends. The family thanks the incredible care from providers and staff at NorthStar Lodge and Cottage in the Meadow. There will be a private ceremony at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to local cancer centers and/or YWCA, as well as planting sunflowers everywhere. Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.