Ileen Johnston

Ileen Taylor Johnston, age 89, passed away suddenly on September 16, 2021 with her brother Roger Gugel by her side. Born August 19, 1932 in Long Lake, South Dakota on the farm to Henry and Magdalena Gugel. During high school she was the Harvest Queen. She met her first husband John Taylor through many chicken dinners. The dinners were payments for a flute that her parents purchased for her at Taylor Music while she was in high school. That flute proved to be quite valuable as it sparked the beginning of what would be a wonderful 50 years of marriage. John and Ileen moved to Wenatchee from Aberdeen, South Dakota to purchase Barnhart Music in 1960. Ileen went into sales with Avon and then became a Real Estate Agent for 40 years. She paved the way for women in Real Estate. Ileen was the first woman Realtor to hit a million dollars in sales. She played the organ in a trio band with her husband John at many dances in and around the Wenatchee Valley. Her second husband, Reed Johnston, walked into her life and her ten years with Reed were some of her most adventurous as they enjoyed summers in Wenatchee and wintering in Hawaii and Arizona. She was a very unique and elegant woman in a league of her own. You always knew where you stood with Ileen, she didn't sugar coat a thing. Recently, known as "The Liveliest Dead Woman in Town" when the IRS declared her dead in December 2015. She fought hard to get her status back as living. Now she is resting in peace on her terms in the valley she loved. She is survived by her children Roger Taylor (April), J Brian Taylor, step-daughters Diane Johnston Boehle (William) and Carol Johnston. Grandchildren Pamela Kone, Philip Martin (Pauline), Jonathan Taylor and Kellli Taylor Hung (Joey); step-grandchildren Justin Boehle (Robin) , David Boehle (Julia), John Martin (Cassy), Anna Doughty (Kris) and great-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren. Ileen was preceded in death by her daughter Leslie Ann Martin, husband of 50 years John B Taylor, husband Reed Johnston of 10 years and brother Henry Gugel. Per her request there will be no memorial services. She has requested a cremation and that she be placed with her beloved John. Arrangements made by Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Ileen Johnston

September 16, 1932 - September 16, 2021