Ulla Lou Johnston, 90, of Fort Smith, Arkansas passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2014 in a local nursing home. She was born in Mulberry, Arkansas to R. Clint and Freda (Counts) Walden. She operated an antique store and book store in downtown Fort Smith and at the age of 50 she returned to college to further her education. She was very involved in her community; she served on the board of directors of the Old Fort Museum which is now the Fort Smith Museum of History, was a founding member of the Fort Smith Junior League and was one of the key people responsible for organizing the Republican Party in the state of Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her husband John Grady “Gene” Johnston.
A private family service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 7, 2014 at Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of Ocker-Putman Funeral Home of Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Pallbearers are John G. Johnston, Randy Fresonke, Michael Fresonke, Charles Walden, Robert Johnston, Thomas Johnston, Johnathan Russell and Eric Peters.
The family will receive friends at her home following the service.
Survivors include her three daughters, Sally Lou Johnston of San Carlos, Mexico, Mary Alice Johnston and her partner Eric Peters of Provincetown, MA and Julia Fresonke and her husband Randy of Edmond, OK; one son, John Grady Johnston of Fort Smith, AR; two grandchildren, Anna Fresonke and her fiancé Johnathan Russell and Michael Fresonke and his wife Justine; three great-granddaughters, Emma and Madeline Fresonke and Maddison Russell and many nieces and nephews who were dear to her.
Memorials may be made to either the Fort Smith Public Library 3201 Rogers Ave. Fort Smith, AR 72903 or to the Fort Smith Little Theatre P.O. Box 3752 Fort Smith, AR 72902.
Online tributes may be made at www.ockerputmanfuneralhome.com

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