In Loving Memory of
Ferol Lee Johnston
July 23, 1929 – December 28, 2025
Funeral Service with Live Stream
Friday, January 2, 2026
11:00 AM PT / 12:00 PM MT
1:00 PM CT / 2:00 PM ET
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Ferol Lee Johnston Obituary
Ferol Lee Johnston passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025, at Lavender Hills Assisted Living, surrounded by the love she spent a lifetime giving to others.
Ferol was born on July 23, 1929, in Delta, Colorado, to Clyde and Ophelia Morris. In her early years, her family moved to California and settled at 10701 Magnolia in Anaheim—a home filled with laughter, warmth, and many treasured memories that would remain close to her heart.
Ferol professed to serve God at a very young age and sought to keep that vow throughout her whole life. Not too long ago in a car ride she mentioned the thing she wanted most was to be with Jesus.
Ferol once insisted she would never marry, turning away several suitors—until she met Jimmie Lee Johnston, an Indiana boy who completely swept her off her feet. The two were married on September 7, 1956, beginning a beautiful partnership that lasted 62 years, until Jimmie’s passing on March 5, 2018.
As a young woman, Ferol worked at Knott’s Berry Farm picking fruit, but it wasn’t long before her talent with numbers was noticed and she was moved behind the counter to serve customers. Later, she built a successful career with the Telephone Company, first as an operator and eventually as a manager—roles that perfectly matched her sharp mind and steady spirit.
Throughout her married life, Ferol devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family. She was a loving homemaker, devoted mother to Ted, Janet, Johna, and Linda, and a constant partner and assistant to Jim in his many business ventures. Ferol was known as a wonderful cook and gracious hostess; her home was always open, her table always beautifully set, and everyone was made to feel welcome.
After marrying, Jim and Ferol moved to Indio, California, where they raised their family. In 1981, while Linda was still at home, they relocated to El Granada, California, and later to Half Moon Bay. In 1993, they returned to Colorado, where they built homes and later opened Golden Orchard Assisted Living facilities. Ferol served as the administrator, often juggling two cell phones and Denver traffic all at once—handling it all with humor, grace, remarkable efficiency and always sporting her classy skirt suit and pair of heels.
In 2019, Ferol moved to Redding, California, to be closer to her daughter Janet and to live at Lavender Hills Assisted Living. She quickly became a beloved presence there, cherished by staff and residents alike.
Ferol will be remembered as an amazing, hardworking, selfless, beautiful, and gracious woman who truly loved people and found joy in helping others. She adored the color pink, tea parties, setting a pretty table, elephants, and—of course—candy. Most of all, she loved her family and friends with her whole heart.
Ferol was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jimmie Johnston; her parents, Clyde and Ophelia Morris; and her brothers, Theron, Chuck, and Aubrey Morris.
She is survived by her son, Ted (Cathy) Johnston, daughters, Janet (Mark) Coulter, John’alee (Ken) Burk and Linda (Steve) Shannon, 13 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren, and sister Joyce (Teddy) Shay Kettler, all of whom were a source of tremendous pride and joy in her life.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Lavender Hills Assisted Living, Freedom Hospice, and the many friends who visited, shared stories, and brought joy to Ferol’s days.
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We are so sorry for the family’s loss of Ferol’s presence here. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. We are happy that she is reunited with loved ones and joyfully in the arms of Jesus.
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Jim and Ferol were very special to me and to so many others. Their influence will forever be with me.
My family and I were so blessed to be part of the Sunday morning fellowship meeting in their home in Castle Rock, CO.
Wonderful memories including many dinners in their home.
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What a lovely service. We feel privileged to have known Ferol . With our love to you and your family.
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Jim and Ferol were both loved and appreciated here in Colorado. Thankful we got to know them and enjoy fellowship in their home.
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Thank you Ferol for being such a good Sister to my friend Joyce Shay Kettrell I was so grateful for your wonderful life and my sincerest condolences to your beautiful family. Well done good and faithful servant thy love has not gone unoticed. My love to you all. You made it now is your chance to see Jesus. Love ro all Lorelei Lipsett Fleischer
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Jim and Ferol were instrumental in deepening my spiritual life. I had the privilege of meeting with them on Sunday mornings and around their table for a delicious meal frequently. Such loving beautiful souls. Thankful for all their life meant to me.
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Fondest memories of working for Jim and Ferol in 1983.
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Dear Family
Our history goes way back to when our little family visited Jim & Ferol Lee in Indio. We lived in Perris. We always had special times!! Good memories with Clyde & Ophelia and also her folks the Januaries? Very nice to see that Ferol looks more like her dear Mom!! And Ophelia was a very gracious lady too!!
Wonderful memories of times with them in Half Moon Bay!!!
Was a privilege to have been with you all over the years.
Also to bring Chuck’s body back to California for his funeral & burial.
Best Wishes to each of you
Scott Rauscher
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We have many fond memories of Ferol over the years. This was a wonderful tribute to her and to her family.
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I am thankful for the continuation of Gods truth in her life. My condolences go out to her and her family.
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Ferol was a beautiful example of a great, kind, and gracious lady.
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She has been part of my life since my parents Digby & Edith Davis professed in 1950. My mother worked with her at the telephone company in Anaheim. My mother was quite shocked to walk into our very first gospel meeting and see Ferol playing the piano.
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We have so many wonderful memories of both Ferol Lee and Jim through the years, especially in Indio, where we often met in their open home! They were busy raising their family and also with the business, but were always so welcoming, whether it was just us 2 or if our 6 children were with us. Then, in Colorado, our paths crossed again whenever we were visiting our daughter, Melinda, and her family. Their big hearts full of kindness will not be forgotten. It’s been a privilege to see Steve&Linda occasionally, and also Ted and family. Ferol Lee was indeed a lover of souls, and we’re glad to have met her on our journey through life.
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Very nice service, thank you for such a nice video link to enter in with you remotely today.
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Feral and Jim were such kind people. We experienced this with the kindness they had shown Verns’ sister Sara..
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She was the sweetest❤️ sending love and many hugs🫂
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I remember Ferol (& Jim) from when they lived in Indio. I was in their Sunday mtg a few times with Galan Berry.
I appreciated their kindness and grace.
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I am so thankful for the memories of Jim and Feral and all they meant to my mom (Berdena Krapu) and the rest of us.
Thankful for their open hearts and home.
Our thoughts are with you all
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Words fail me to describe what Ferol, Jim, and all you kids meant to me when I stayed those months at your home in Indio in 1976.
Ferol was one of a kind — gracious, beautiful, competent, caring. And yet, she treated all of us as equals.
You have a rare, rich heritage. We feel thankful also to have been enriched by her life.
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My dearest Grandmother, you were a force to be reckoned with. A woman of integrity, the Peace Keeper and the greatest example in my lifetime of how to serve your husband and honor the Lord. Thank you for the love and example you have given each one of us. You were the family monarch for the Johnston side and I’m proud to be your granddaughter.
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Dear family,
My memories are in your Indio home when you were young children. Your mom was a kind and gracious hostess. We appreciated your home so much.
Thoughts are with you all.