Kenneth James Johnstone, 71, passed away Monday, November 11, 2019 at his home in Broadus, MT.
Born and raised as a brave cowboy in Ekalaka, MT, the son of Johnny and Dorothy Johnstone, he graduated from Carter County High School in 1966. He was granted the nickname “Stan the Man” in his days in Ekalaka. One of his favorite places to be was on the ranch on Spring Creek where he would go branding, have cook-outs, and go camping.
He met his wife, Nellie Tabolt, in Broadus and they were married in 1986. Ken worked at the Farmers Co-op. He not only took pride in his work ethic, but truly relished the friends he made during his tenure. Over the years, his expertise and reputation led him to be named “Papa” by many in the community.
Ken was an avid bowler. He would accompany many of his friends and family multiple nights a week at the local bowling alley. This led to many trips to nationals in Reno, NV. Ken was a proud papa. You could find him and Nellie at every home game of his grandchildren. Ken also enjoyed playing horseshoes, woodworking, leather crafting, and playing the guitar.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Dorothy (Burdick) Johnstone; his wife, Nellie; his sister, Sandy (Johnstone) Kirkwood; and his grandson, Leon. He is survived by his two brothers, Don (Ginger) and Dave (Alice) Johnstone; his daughter, Cindy Newton; five grandchildren; five great grandchildren; four nephews; and many friends.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 15, 2019 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Bible Church in Broadus. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Sheri Gali says
So sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. He was such a kind man. RIP you will be missed. Hugs to his family.
Carmen Knutson says
Sending hugs and prayers for all of you. I so enjoyed Ken . He always had a smile and a hug for me. Another treasure lost. ❤️
Jim Nies says
Sorry to hear about the loss ,prayers for the family
Joni Draine says
My heart breaks for all of you.. Ken was so special. Loved stopping in the mornings before school, then in the mornings before work just to get my caffeine and say hello to Ken. Thinking of you all!
Sherry Farwell says
I was startled to hear that Ken had passed. I visited at length with him in Broadus about two years ago. He recognized me at the gas station and we talked about Ekalaka, my Father, high school, and his family. My sincere condolences to the Johnstone family.
SALLY A. BORLA says
SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT KEN AND YES, HE WAS ALWAYS SO KIND WITH A BIG SMILE AT THE CORNER STORE. I KNOW HE HASN’T BEEN TOO GOOD FOR SOME TIME SO NOW HE WAY REST IN PEACE AND BE WITH HIS SWEET NELLIE–THEY WERE SUCH A NICE COUPLE. MY SYMPATHY TO ALL THE FAMILY. GOD BLESS
Rori says
I’m so sorry to hear about Ken. He was such a kind man and a pleasure to be around. Thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Bub and Carlene Gaskill says
So sorry to hear of Ken’s passing, he was such a nice man.
Tammie McGill Cunningham says
So sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family. May God be with you all. He was one sweet man.
Ginger says
What a sweet, gentle, and loving man. Ken was a friend to all and ‘Papa’ to many; and everyone who knew and loved him right back will have a huge void in life, but will have a great watcher over each and every one up in Heaven. Hugs and much love to Ken’s family and wish peace and comfort to all of you.
Ken, you’re back with your Sweet Nellie, just as you wanted to be. We’ll miss you bunches…..’love you!’
Tom & Ann Emmons says
The “smile at the Corner Store”, always good to visit with him. He will be missed.
Ken Jones and Family says
So sorry,Ken and Nellie were awesome and so kind,we all enjoyed visiting him at the Cornerstone.
Beverly Willson says
Hugs and prayers for the family
Doug & Connie Yates says
Prayers for the family and friends of Ken.
Ken was a kind hearted person with positivity towards all.
He will be missed a great deal.
Jane & Les Thompson says
Rest in Peace Dear Ken; Wonderful husband and papa. Bowled as teammates with Ken and Nellie back in the day for about 10 years; many great memories. Sending our heartfelt sympathies and love to all his family.
Beth and Joe Talcott says
Ken and I shared the same birthday, we used to get each other birthday balloons to celebrate! Ken will be greatly missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family
Skin and Betty Collins says
Hugs and prayers for all of Ken’s family. He was a wonderful and kind person. Had a smile for everyone. We all will miss him but now he is in the loving arms of his Nellie where he has longed to be for a long time. Hold the precious memories close to your hearts.
Don & Penny Pearce says
Ken was always so helpful, so friendly. The corner store will never be the same
Shan Carter says
I have always tried to stop and see Ken when I come thru. He was the kindest, most gentle easy going man I’ve ever known. He will be missed by many. But my tears are of joy because now Ken is with Nellie. Thinking of you all
Marilyn Mader says
Enjoyed the years that I worked with Ken and considered him a friend always. He was always kind and understanding. I always looked forward to seeing him at the Farmers Union and was disappointed when he wasn’t there. I will miss him!
Paul and Nancy Brence says
Don & Dave and extended family, so sorry to hear of your loss.
Casey & Cindy Phalen says
Oh my dear friend. I will miss ya. The many night at the hospital checking in on the newest sitcoms. Telling a lie or two to each other. Your great attitude no matter what. God bless ya friend.
Steve Fourtner says
Sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Ken very well, but I always visited with him at the store on my travels through Broadus. He was always a friendly, familiar face and he will be missed.
Jaci Horner says
So sorry for your loss. Ken was a very nice man and will be missed by all that knew him. May the Lord help you through the up coming trials. The Horner Family
Shawn and Wendy Richards says
So very sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers for you all!!
Rumph family says
Ken was such a good man! Always had a smile on his face! He will be missed.
Elinor Johns says
So sorry to hear about Ken, such a nice person. My prayers for Ken’s family.
Ed and Bev Schaffe says
Ken was a good guy, always so friendly and smiling. He is with Nellie now where he has wanted to be! You will be missed Ken! Our sincere sympathy to Ken’s family.
Leo and Jo Jurica says
Don and Ginger we are so sorry for your loss. We did know Ken well but he was always cheerful and helpful at the Corner Store when we stopped. It sound like he was a sparkle in many peoples life.
Konnie says
So sorry to hear about the loss of Ken. I always enjoyed seeing him at the Corner Store. He was a reason for stopping there whenever I came home. His presence is definitely missed!
Connie (Earley) Watts says
I only knew Ken through filling up at the Corner Store, but his kindness and friendliness touched my heart. I was always glad to visit with him for a few minutes while there. He will be missed.
Tom and Cheryl Larsen says
Just learned of Ken’s passing. So sorry to hear this. He was such a nice guy. I love to stop at the Corner store and visit when I was in Broadus. My Condolences to Ken’s family and love ones’
George Birtic says
I will miss him selling me fuel at the Corner gas station in Broadus. He was always very nice and friendly person. He will be misses.
darlene tafoya says
I was sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. Him and I spent a lot of time together in high school and he was always a good person. I will remember him.