Nov. 7, 1968 — July 9, 2025
Shannon Elizabeth Johnson passed away on July 9 at Rogue Regional Medical Center after a 15-year battle with cancer. She was surrounded by loved ones and well taken care of by ICU nurses at the hospital. She was able to go peacefully.
An Ashland resident for 20 years, Shannon was born in Tucson, Arizona. She was the eldest daughter of Pete and Debbie Allen. She had three siblings: Eric, Brian, and Dena.
Her family moved to Fargo, North Dakota, in 1977. Growing up, Shannon was extraordinarily competitive at anything she attempted. She was an accomplished track runner and a nationally recognized gymnast. She attended Fargo South High School. Shannon was chosen as an All-American cheerleader and cheered at the Aloha Bowl. She eventually moved back to Tucson, attended Pima College and was an honor student.
Shannon started her career in the hospitality industry in her early 20s. During her more than 30 years in the industry, she managed and consulted at hotels and resorts in Indiana, Arizona, California, Alaska, North Dakota and Oregon. Shannon was an accomplished general manager, earning many awards from the companies she worked for, including Hotel Management magazine’s General Managers to Watch in 2020. She also served on numerous boards, including Travel Medford.
Shannon took pride in being a beloved leader who connected with her teams. She was a talented mentor, offering guidance and space for her employees to grow, expand their careers, and change their lives.
Her career led Shannon and her family from Tucson to the Central Coast of California, then in 2004, they started a new adventure in Southern Oregon. She and her husband, Stephen, raised their two daughters, Hayley and Hannah, in Ashland. Shannon loved Southern Oregon. It was there that she discovered her love for hiking and running on the Ashland trails. She also enjoyed spending time in their garden. Her greatest love was camping. Shannon was an avid reader. She could often be found reading a book outside, soaking in the sun.
Shannon had an incredible will. Almost everyone who met her, from family to friends to co-workers, would remark about her strength and her energy. Anyone who knew her would agree that she was a fighter in every way. Shannon fought to live her life to the fullest, she fought for what she believed in and she fought for others. She was a fiercely loyal individual. Her niece recently commented that Shannon was always a force to be reckoned with. Shannon displayed astonishing grace in meeting the challenges before her, never complaining, seeking the joy in life.
Shannon also had an incredibly kind heart. She was a great example for the next generation of women in her family, her daughters, her nieces and grandnieces. Shannon was also known for her laughter, which could fill a room. We will miss the joyfulness, playfulness and brightness that she exuded amongst her family and friends.
Shannon is survived by her daughters Hayley and Hannah; her beloved pets; her husband, Stephen; her parents, Pete and Debbie Allen; her brothers, Eric Allen and Brian Allen; and her sister, Dena Devine.
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