Benjamin Ravelo Johnson

Benjamin Ravelo Johnson passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2017, his and Mary’s 51st wedding anniversary. He was born April 10, 1942 in Cavite, Philippines. In 1951 his mother, Pilar, wed Robert Johnson, who adopted Ben and moved the family to Hawaii where Ben and Pilar became Naturalized U.S. Citizens. The family moved multiple times due to military reassignment, and Ben graduated from Princess Anne High School in Virginia.

Ben was a 2nd Class Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy as a radio repairman and was a Vietnam veteran. He was fiercely proud to be an American. Honorably discharged, Ben continued a career in electronic and computers. He met Mary Armstrong and they were married on November 26, 1966, establishing a home in San Diego, California. Led by the Holy Spirit, Ben was baptized into the LDS church and two years later he and Mary were sealed in the Los Angeles LDS Temple.

Moving to Huntington Beach, California and later to Clancy, Montana allowed Ben to expand his skills as a silversmith and piloting small planes, which he deeply loved. His sense of humor always attracted friends to Ben, but he also had a deep, discerning intelligence and values that guided his life choices. The couple moved to Kennewick, Washington due to corporate downsizing.

Though never having children was disappointing, Ben’s loving generosity made it possible for Mary to care for five family members through failing health and death. Layoffs again brought the couple to Yakima where Ben worked for the Bureau of Reclamation until his retirement. He suffered declining health for many years, but never stopped educational pursuits and joyful living. Generous to a fault, Ben gave freely to anyone in need and immediately forgot the debt. Throughout his life, he unleashed his quick wit, awful puns and funny pranks on family and friends with reckless abandon. There were few who did not love and appreciate Ben. Mary had the blessing of pure love from Ben, he defended her, supported her encouraged her in all things, praised her accomplishments and was always the first to forgive.

He is survived by his wife Mary, his uncle Jack Seabourn, and many nieces and nephews whom he loved.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Pilar Ravelo and Robert H. Johnson, his aunt Velia Seabourn, and in-laws, La Rue and Arthur Armstrong.

Viewing and visitation will be Tuesday, December 5, 2017 from 3 to 5 pm at Langevin El Paraiso Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at 10 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 1414 S. 72nd Ave., Yakima, Washington 98908. Interment will be at Desert Lawn Memorial Park in Kennewick, WA. Those wishing to leave a memory of Ben may do so at www.lepfuneralhome.com.