In Memory
Marlene (Johnstone) Dones
May 20, 1942 ~ May 31, 2023 (age 81)
9 Trees, Flowers, or Condolences have been shared with support of Marlene's family - View on Tribute Wall
9 New Posts
Obituary & Services
Tribute Wall
Obituary
Marlene was 81 years – 11 days old when she left us early in the evening of May 31st – bound for the next leg of her journey of her “Eternal Camping Trip.”
She is survived by her loving husband of 35 years Larry, and their blended family – James Mast Jr. (Dena), Cathy Abney (Eric), Tammy Tyler (Joel), Jennifer Corpe (Ken) and Erica Dones, as well as 15 grandchildren and 15 great–grandchildren (with an additional 3 more due later on this year). Sisters – Lorene Yvonne Hard, Linda Butler (Ray), Diana Johnstone, and brother David Johnstone (Anne); as well as many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and so many, many cherished and loving friends…what a legacy she helped create along her journey.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Bessie Johnstone, sister Claudia Graham and brother Wayne (Debbie) Johnstone; her first husband of 20 years James Mast Sr., and their daughter Theresa Lucero.
For those of you who knew Marlene, you knew the door to her home was always open and a spot at their table awaited should you decide to stay. She knew hard work from an early age when she worked alongside her siblings picking fruit in the nearby fields in Napa. She had a wicked sense of humor and loved to give as good as she got!
Her love for travel found her cross-country adventures across the USA, both by train (with her daughters) and motorhome (with dear friends) enlightening, educational and fun, especially when she visited with her family in South Carolina.
One of the family’s (friend’s too) favorite past time was camping. What started out in Larry’s ‘Orange Pumpkin’ van, continued in a pop-up trailer and progressed into the very nicely equipped trailer today. Camping was their beloved getaway. Many a family member and friends learned to love camping and the camaraderie outdoors around the campfires at: Orchard Springs (Rollins Lake), Casini Ranch, Ocean Cove or many camping spots in they chose to venture to…Memories were made and are cherished today as camping and the outdoors was simply a slice of heaven in her book!
Mar’s greatest joy was her family. She cherished the time with their kid’s, grands and great-grands. She loved being on the sidelines at a football game, or karate match in order to cheer the kids on.
The greatest gift she left us with was the time she spent making everyone she knew feel special and welcome. Leaving her loved ones was very difficult for her to do, but those closest to her are secure in the knowledge she left a bit of herself attached to their hearts…we know it’s hard to forget someone who gave us all so much to remember…
Service to be held here at Tulocay Cemetery on Friday, June 23rd at 11:00AM, with reception immediately following.
If you wish to send flowers for the service, please send to Tulocay Cemetery 411 Coombsville Rd. Napa
Arlie Lloyd
It is difficulg to find words to say, when someone you grewup with, way back in your youthful past, whom you loved as a little sister, and has gone to meet her Lord, and friends. Marlene and I shared many moments together growing up. We played neighborhood softball games, played card games with her mother and anunt, and I went to many of her H.S.parties.We went to Salvador, Redwood, and Napa High school, and shared many classes together.We rode the school buss together, and walked from the bus stop home.
Manlene, and the Johnstone famiy was a big part of my life growing up. Her Sisters, and brother were always in my life. Marlenes Dad was the neightborhood car mechanic, and werked at Imola, where my dad worked. I love the Johnstoine family, and I pray God will comfort Marlene's family, and loved ones. We went to church across the street from Marlene's home, and sang songs to our Lord, and prayed for each other. I pray today, that Marlene, and her beloved family, will find comfort and peace in the hope of the heavenly places that God has prepared for us, and that oneday the Rapture will fly us all to be forever with our Lord.
Thomas Johnson
Marlene was such a pretty girl and always had that beautiful smile. My brother Johnny and I picked prunes at the Fruehaf Farm on Dry Creek Road and we would all have lunch together with Arlley and Ken Lloyd and Marshal Jones and Grady Kear and we were all crazy in love with Marlene who of course was way out of our league. I remember when she married Jimmy Mast and we were all heartbroken. Oh what fond memories of the days picking prunes, which was really hard work, and feeding prunes to Mrs Fruehafs horse Mixon and the prune fights that Mrs Fruehaf would scold us about. It was a lesson in life that work is exactly that, work. There is an old song that goes: "If we never meet again this side of heaven, I will meet you on that beautiful shore" and the other "What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see, when he takes me by the hand and leads me to the promise land, what a day glorious day that will be" That is right out of John 14 in the New Testament. I trust that all of us left will seek the truth of the Bible regarding our final destination. Tommy Johnson
June Beeler
It is difficu;t to learn about another HS classmate, leaving this Earth, passiing on to a Heavenly place. Both, Arlie and Tom have posted wonderful memories of their early years, growing up in the same neighborhood as Marlene. Siince I only knew Marlene, a little, from Redwood and NHS days, I cannot post anything as meaningfu as their words. I'm glad to read that she enjoyed camping, the outdoors and being with all her family. I simply want to offer my sympathy to her family, knowing that they are Blessed to have many fond memories...
Richard "Dick" Curtis
I have to echo June's comments and feelings. I knew Marlene from Napa Junior High, Redwood and Napa Union High and also knew the Mast family through my dad's association. Marlene was a beautiful young lady and a wonderful person. Another really sad loss from our great class. My thoughts and prayers go out to Marlene and her family.