Reva Jean Johnson's Obituary
Reva Jean Johnson Sage July 12, 1925 – April 25, 2012
Reva Johnson passed away on April 25, 2012 in Longview, WA. from the effects of Alzheimer's disease. She had been living at Canterbury Gardens for the last three years.
She was born in Centralia, WA. on July 12, 1925 - to Bert and Vivian Blanchard Sage. The family moved to St. Helens when Reva was young so her father could set up his blacksmithing shop on Columbia Blvd. She graduated from St. Helens High School in 1943 and married Delmer Johnson in 1944. After 58 years of marriage, Delmer died in 2002.
In 1945, Reva was the first woman to fly solo from the Scappoose airport, an accomplishment of which she was quite proud. She spent a little over two hours soloing, then hung up her "wings" and flew commercial from then on – except when she occasionally flew as co-pilot with her husband in his plane.
Reva was a lifelong supporter of the schools, beginning as PTA President at McBride Grade School and later serving on the St. Helens School Board from 1963 to 1967. In 1966 she created the "Special Recognition" award, which is still presented to a high school senior every year at graduation. After spending too many springs sitting in the rain watching her granddaughters at track meets, she helped initiate the building of the stadium at the high school.
Reva loved to take road trips around the country with several of her friends and relatives – as long as she got to drive! Throughout her life she also enjoyed going deer hunting, clam digging and spending time on "The Pixie", as well as photographing the river.
Her brother, Loren Sage, preceded her in death. Survivors include her daughter Linda David Swan, granddaughters Tiffany Swan and Mallory Sam Barham and great-granddaughter Hinley Barham.
Entombment was held at Columbia Memorial Gardens on April 27. There will be a private family gathering. Memorial contributions may be made to the Columbia Pacific Food Bank.
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