Ben Johnston
Ben Andrew Johnston, 18, of Watford City, N.D., was called home to his Heavenly Father on Sunday, May 7, 2017, in Watford City.
Ben Johnston was born Nov. 23, 1998, in Williston, N.D., 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 names, 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.”
Preceding him in death were his paternal grandparents, Carrol and Delores Johnston; great-grandparents, Morris and Leah Fitzgerald, Ted and Annie Hansen, Albert and Olga Rehberg, Andrew and Leva Johnston; great-aunt, Elaine Keith, and Eunice Hembree; great-aunt and uncle, Kenny and Tody Johnson; great-foster uncle, Merlyn Ellingson; great-great-uncle, Ben Johnston;
Ben is survived by his parents, Robert and Marlai Fitzgerald; maternal grandparents Dave and Judy (Hansen) Fitzgerald; aunts and uncles, Brad and Dawn (Richards) Fitzgerald, Nathan and Kathy (Pies) Fitzgerald, Pat and Jennifer (Johnson) Fitzgerald, Lanny and Linda (Johnston) Gabbert, Derek and Jodi (Johnston) McKinzie; his cousins, Hailey, Brett, Hannah, Brian, Keagan, Colten Fitzgerald, Layne (Alexis) Gabbert, Lorin Gabbert, Emma and Ryan McKinzie; foster brothers, Sheldon Locke and Josh Wood and numerous second cousins on both sides of the family.
All donations and memorials can be directed to the Watford City High FFA Scholarship Fund or North Dakota Stockman Association.
His funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 15, 2017, at the Rough Rider Event Center in Watford City, N.D., Pastor Rob Favorite and Pastor Mark Honstein co-officiated. Interment was held in the Garden Cemetery. A family service open to the public was held at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, May 14, 2017, in the Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home Chapel, Watford City, N.D.
Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Watford is assisting the family. Friends may sign the on-line register and give their condolences at www.fulkersons.com