Hartrice Vera Johnson Drangsholt, born in Newman Grove, Nebraska and passed away peacefully at the age of 96, surrounded by family. She lived a remarkable life of resilience, love, and service to her family and community.

"Harty", as she was known, was the eldest daughter of Reuben Adolf Johnson, attorney, and Vera Dale Selway Johnson. She grew up in Nebraska alongside her brother, Leon, and later, her sister, Nancy. She was a bright, cheerful, and accomplished student, graduating second in her high school class. She earned a BFA in Education from the University of Nebraska, where she pledged Chi Omega sorority and formed lifelong friendships.

Her early life was marked by both joy and tragedy. At the age of eight, she survived a severe leg fracture after being struck by a car. Months later, she endured the heartbreaking loss of her beloved older brother, Leon. Despite these challenges, Harty remained resilient and positive, nurtured by her loving and devoted parents, and that resiliency became a life-long attribute.

Shortly after graduating from the University of Nebraska in 1950, she married Dwight Griswold, son of the governor. Less than a year later, Dwight succumbed from polio, leaving Harty widowed at the young age of 22. Encouraged by her professor and mentor, Dr. William E. Hall, she pursued further education at the University of California, Berkeley, before training with Drs. Hall and Don Clifton as a graduate student and teaching assistant in Educational Psychology at the University of Nebraska.

In 1952, Harty met Dr. Thomas Drangsholt, dental faculty, on a blind date. They married in June 1953 and together began a life in the Pacific Northwest, where Tom practiced dentistry and Harty managed their growing household. Together, they raised four sons— Tim, Mark, Norman, and Ross— on Scenic Hill in Kent, Washington, where they built a unique home and loving household.

Harty was a dedicated mother and an active community member, serving on the Kent and King County Arts Commissions, the Friends of the Library, among other organizations. With her connections with the Arts Commissions, she played a pivotal role in the development of the Kent Earthworks project. Harty was a champion of the arts, education, and philanthropy. She was featured in a Kent News Journal article as a "Modern Woman," which celebrated ability to juggle her domestic life with her creative talents and civic leadership.

She and Tom shared a love for fine art, cuisine, books, people, and travel, raising their children with a deep appreciation of history and science, teaching with lively family discussions around the dinner table. After Tom's passing in 1993, Harty carried forward their legacy while embracing her role as the beloved matriarch of an ever-growing family.

Harty's life was a testament to strength, kindness, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to family. She cherished her role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, always encouraging and celebrating the achievements of those she loved. She was an avid reader, a meticulous chronicler of family history, and a devoted member of several philanthropic organizations, including PEO, Children's Hospital Guild, and the Wodehouse Society.

Harty is survived by her four sons: Tim (Peggy Timm), Mark (Heather Woloshyn), Norman (Patsy Carlson), and Ross (Beth O'Connor); her nine grandchildren: Leif Drangsholt, Siri Drangsholt Hacquebord (Jacques Hacquebord), Thomas Drangsholt, Lina Drangsholt, Blair Drangsholt, Brian Drangsholt, Hailey Drangsholt, Connor Drangsholt (Maya), and Colin Drangsholt; and four great-grandchildren: Amilie, Etienne, Luc Hacquebord; and Hans Drangsholt. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Leon, and her sister Nancy.

A private service was held in December at Kent's Hillcrest Memorial Park, followed by a "Celebration of Life" gathering of family members. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Harty's memory may be made to Children's Hospital, the Frye Art Museum, the University of Nebraska, or PEO, honoring her lifelong commitment to education, the arts, and helping others.

Harty leaves behind a legacy of positivity and an indelible impact on all who knew her. Her unconditional love, empathy, and unwavering spirit will be cherished and remembered always.

Hartrice Vera Drangsholt

November 3, 1928 - December 11, 2024

Hartrice Vera Drangsholt

November 3, 1928 - December 11, 2024

Hartrice Vera Drangsholt

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