Dolly Leah (Palmer) Johnson
Obituaries
Daily Sentinel page 5A - June 10, 2020
Dolly Leah
Palmer Johnston
May 4, 1940 - May 25, 2020
Dolly was born in an adobe
dwelling north of Loma,
Colorado, on May 4, 1940, the
daughter of Thelma Gertrude
Sheets Palmer and Sylvan Jack
Palmer. She lived a somewhat
nomadic childhood as her
father’s work as a miner took
them to different locations
including Washington, Nevada,
Utah, and finally back to
Colorado, where she attended
and graduated from Fruita High
School. Her high school years
were highlighted by being a
cheerleader and selected to
attend Colorado Girls State.
After graduation the family
moved to Moab, Utah, where
she met her future husband,
Joe Johnston. They married in
Gallup, NM, in 1958. Their first
child, Joe Jr., was born in 1959,
and they moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where two daughters, Meta
and Dana, were born. Returning to the lower 48 in 1963 the family
settled in Cortez, CO, where son, Jon, arrived, completing the
family. In 1966 they moved again, this time to Grand Junction, CO.
Dolly was a devoted mother, spending hours shuttling the kids
to various school functions and sporting events and practices.
Her “spare” time was spent with numerous crafts, such as
quilting, stained glass, and leather work, but the entire family
was involved in archery, which sport she excelled at, winning
numerous state championships both in Alaska and Colorado. Her
crowning achievement was first place in the National Field Archery
Association Southwest Sectional Women’s Bare Bow event.
Known for her compassion and caring, Dolly’s priorities were
always geared to the well-being and health of her family and
especially the grandkids and great-grandkids. Following her
father’s heritage she was a proud member of the Choctaw Nation of
Oklahoma and advocated for the plight and well-being of all Native
American cultures and tribes.
Dolly was preceded in death by her parents; infant sister, Coleen
Faye; younger brother, Jimmy; and son, Joe Jr. She is survived
by husband, Joe; daughters, Meta Johnston and Dana Elliott;
and son, Jon (Lisa) Johnston; 12 grandchildren; and nine greatgrandchildren.
Services will be held at a later da
