Ben Johnston, 18, of Watford City, ND, was called home to his Heavenly Father on Sunday, May 7, 2017 in Watford City. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Watford is assisting the family.
Ben Andrew Johnston was born November, 23 1998 in Williston, North Dakota to very loving parents Robert and Marlai (Fitzgerald) Johnston. Ben walked in the hands of the Lord, his Savior, and Jesus Christ, on May 7, 2017, at the young age of 18. Loved by many, including his mom, dad, aunts, uncles, great aunts, great uncles, grandparents, cousins, classmates, teachers, and his friends.
Ben was named after his great uncle Ben Johnston and great grandfather Andrew Johnston. Living up to both his great uncle's name’s, being known as a hardworking young man, respectable, caring, and above all treating others the way he wanted to be treated. Being the only child and having no siblings he grew up on his parent’s ranch, taking care of his home that he loved.
He currently attended Watford City High School, where he developed many loving friends and great relations among the staff and teachers of the high school. They said he always walked in the halls with a big smile on his face and a positive attitude. His girlfriend, Ashley Barnett, had a special table that they always ate at for lunch at the school cafeteria. Ben was involved in activities such as welding, mechanics, 4-H and FFA. Ben recently earned the FFA Chapter Degree and was proud to be a member of this organization.
In his short life he made impression on all those who met him. On his bus rides to school, he made many lasting friendships. Ben was always a good listener to both his parents and friends. He was always handy, being able to fix anything and working with the animals around the ranch. He loved driving his truck around the fields, on the road, and sometimes even in circles. His horse, Chester and dog, Cowboy will remain missing Ben’s presence. Ben had big hopes and dreams for his future, but now will forever remain a “Good ol’ boy”.
Proceeding in death are: Morris & Leah (Milkey) Fitzgerald (Great Granparents), Ted & Annie (Helmers) Hansen (Great Grandparents), Elaine (Hansen) Keith (great aunt), Kenny & Tody (Hansen) Johnson (Great uncle & aunt), Eunice (Hansen) Hembree (Great Aunt), Merlyn Ellingson (Great foster uncle), Carroll & Delores (Rehberg) Johnston (paternal grandparents), Ben Johnston (Great-Great Uncle), Albert and Olga (Gegelman) Rehberg (Great Grandparents), Andrew & Leva (Thompson) Johnston (Great Grandparents).
Those who survive Ben are: Robert and Marlai (Fitzgerald), parents, Dave & Judy (Hansen) Fitzgerald (maternal grandparents), Aunts & Uncles: Brad & Dawn (Richards) Fitzgerald, Nathan & Kathy (Pies) Fitzgerald, Pat & Jennifer (Johnson) Fitzgerald, Lanny & Linda (Johnston) Gabbert, Derek & Jodi (Johnston) McKinzie. His cousins: Hailey, Brett, Hannah, Brian, Keagan, Colten Fitzgerald, Layne(Alexis) Gabbert, Lorin Gabbert, Emma & Ryan McKinzie. Foster brothers: Sheldon Locke and Josh Wood and numerous second cousins on both sides of the family.
Memorial Contribution
All donations and memorials can be directed to the Watford City High FFA Scholarship Fund or North Dakota Stockman Association
Thank You
The Family would like to thank Watford City High School for all of their support.
Dale & Vicki Karpyak
May 9, 2017
Brad and Cindy Wollan
(Watford City)
May 9, 2017
Nevin and Laura Dahl
(Watford City, North Dakota)
May 9, 2017
Jeanne Helmers
(Minot, North Dakota)
May 9, 2017
Michael & Jayne Storm
(Belle Fourche, SD)
May 9, 2017
Tracy, Deb & Dalton Rixen
(Richardton , ND)
May 10, 2017
Steve and Laura Sanford
(Watford city, Nd)
May 10, 2017
Dale and Holly Washburn
(Watford City)
May 10, 2017
Larry D Jones
May 10, 2017
Darnell Wollan
(Watford City , ND)
May 10, 2017
pfl
May 10, 2017
Mathew, Heather, Rylee and Ethan Kobos
(Arnegard, North Dakota)
May 10, 2017
Cheryl Simpson
(Ray, ND)
May 10, 2017
Rodney and Sara (Helmers) Schatz
(Drake, ND)
May 10, 2017
Cheryl Rafferty
(Thatcher, Arizona)
May 10, 2017
Noreen Wollan
(Watford City)
May 11, 2017
Jay Reinke
(Williston, North Dakota)
May 11, 2017
Susan (Gudmunsen) Vachal
May 11, 2017
Mike and Stef Russell
(Watford City, ND)
May 11, 2017
Jeff & Ann Johnsrud
(Watford City, ND)
May 11, 2017
Jim Chamley
(Colorado Springs, Co)
May 12, 2017
Jay and Sheree Diede
(Minot, ND)
May 12, 2017
Jim Chamley
(Colorado Springs, Co)
May 13, 2017
Julie Jarmon
(Midland City, Alabama)
May 13, 2017
Donna & Kelly Berg, Kari
(Brandon, MN)
May 13, 2017
Carla Schaible
(Watford City, ND)
May 13, 2017
Mike sue and jennifer mccauley
(Kalkaska, Mi)
May 13, 2017
Brad Bartels
(Williston, ND)
May 14, 2017
Kendra Storm & Family (Josh Woods' Aunt)
(Belle Fourche, South Dakota)
May 14, 2017
Larry & Tanya Andersen
(Watford City)
May 14, 2017
Craig and Tammy Hovet
(Dickinson, ND)
May 14, 2017
Craig and Rena Helberg
(Williston, ND)
May 15, 2017
Maggie Johnson
(Williston, North Dakota)
May 16, 2017