Arlette Nell Johnson

SALEM, OR — Arlette Nell Johnson, 73, of Salem, Oregon, passed away on July 28, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Born in North Bend, Oregon, Arlette came from a family of original Coos County homesteaders (1865). Her family’s history is woven into the South Coast — they helped found the Longshore Union, operated the stagecoach line from Marshfield to Winchester Bay, and owned the land now known as Wild Mare at Horsfall. Among her favorite family stories was that of the “Wild Mare” who roamed the North Bend sand dunes for over 30 years.

A proud North Bend High School Bulldog, Homecoming Queen, and graduate of the Class of 1970, Arlette brought energy, charm, and determination to everything she pursued. Her love for horses took root early and led her to become one of the founding members of the Hauser Dune Riders Horse 4-H Club. She often reminisced about the excitement of helping select the club’s colors and name — a moment that sparked a lifelong devotion to riding. Her years in 4-H shaped not only her horsemanship but also her commitment to mentoring youth and giving back to her community, values she carried with her for the rest of her life.

Arlette was also an active member of the 40 Something Cowgirls – Salem, OR Chapter, where grit, grace, and a love for adventure meet. She traveled to different towns and cities to help start new chapters, building friendships and spreading her enthusiasm for the Cowgirl way of life wherever she went. She was a fierce and accomplished competitor, earning Overall High Point Cowgirl titles with the Capital City Cowgirls of Salem, OR, and taking home top honors including a Trophy Buckle, Trophy Breast Collar, and a Trophy Saddle.

Her dedication to service extended beyond competition — Arlette was named an honorary member of the Linn County Mounted Sheriff’s Posse in recognition of the many hours she volunteered to support their events and causes.

On July 30, 1995, Arlette married the love of her life, Randall “Randy” Johnson, in a joyful Las Vegas ceremony at the Little White Chapel. Their life together was filled with partnership, friendship, and adventure. They shared countless miles on horseback and on the road, traveling to rodeos, horse shows, and favorite camping spots. Randy was not only her husband but her best friend and steadfast companion through life’s highs and lows. Whether working side by side on the property, hauling horses to an event, or simply enjoying quiet evenings together, their bond was built on love, laughter, and mutual respect.

Arlette had a gift for making life an adventure, whether it was loading up the truck for a spur-of-the-moment road trip with Randy, cheering on her grandkids, or saddling up Breez for a ride. A lifelong horsewoman, she poured her heart into caring for her animals and sharing her passion with others. Music was always part of her days — from singing along to her favorite songs to dancing in the kitchen — and her playful crush on Kid Rock never failed to make her family smile.

She was the proud mother of Muriah Bohannon, Ryan Frizzell, and Chris Johnson; and stepmother to Kandy Ridenour, Randy Johnson Jr., Nick Johnson, and Heather Courtney. Arlette also shared close and loving relationships with all of her sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, cherishing the bond they built as family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Willis and Del Peterson; brother, Melvin Peterson; and sister, Ardith Peterson.

Celebration of Life: Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at CCMSP’s Riley Arena in Hauser, Oregon (69520 Wildwood Dr).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local Horse 4-H or the Linn County Mounted Sheriff’s Posse — two organizations close to her heart that reflect her lifelong love of horses, youth, and community.

" My precious Human, I love you, and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of Hoof prints, it was then that I Carried You."