Jean Marguerite Johnston, Warsaw, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, June 9, 2018 just after 2 p.m. Called Home from Lake City Place Assisted Living, she was 90 years old. Jean was born on October 17, 1927 to Lela and Forrest Lee Dunkle in Mayburg, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Sheffield High School in Sheffield, Pennsylvania and attended Erie Beauty College in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Later, Jean worked for Sylvania in Warren, Pennsylvania. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Kenneth E. Johnston. The two were married on May 22, 1948 in Sheffield.
Jean and Ken traveled throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and New York, wherever his work as an Ironworker would take him. After years of traveling, the family settled in Franklin, Pennsylvania where Ken built their family home. Family was everything to Jean.
Her children noted that she was “A wonderful mother who loved all her children. She was so patient and understanding-you could count on her for everything. We were so blessed to call her ‘Mom’”.
She was a homemaker, loved to cook, and crocheting and knitting was something she enjoyed doing for her family. In 1977 Jean and her family followed Ken’s work when he was transferred to Warsaw, Indiana. There, they were members of Calvary Baptist Church in nearby Oswego.
In their earlier years, led by the Lord, Jean and Ken were founding members of the Baptist Temple in Franklin. The church met in the Johnston’s basement and grew to a membership of 125. After outgrowing the basement, they drew up plans and helped build the church as it sets today, atop Pecan Hill in Franklin, Pennsylvania.
Jean always enjoyed teaching the little ones about Jesus and His love for them in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Jean and Ken were married for 65 wonderful years at the time of his May 2, 2013 passing. She was also preceded in death by her parents; brother, Frank Dunkle; sisters Gladys Howard, Joyce Barton, Leah Dunkle and Betty Dunkle.
She is survived by her four children and their spouses, Timothy (wife, Lynda) Johnston, Sheridan, MT; Deborah (husband, Calvin) Bolt, Warsaw, IN; Ron (wife, Catherine) Johnston, Warsaw, IN and Lela (husband, Rob) Rummel of Johnstown, PA. A sister-in-law, Agnes Vandervort, Marienville, PA; 16 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren also survive. Jean loved to be called “grandma” and was happy spending special time with each and every one of them.
She crocheted and knitted each of them blankets and sweaters which they will cherish. Family and friends will gather for a time of sharing in support of each other on Thursday, June14th from 4 to 8 p.m. in Titus Funeral Home, 2000 Sheridan Street, Warsaw, and again for one hour prior to the funeral service. A service celebrating the life of Jean M. Johnston will take place on Friday, June 15th at 11 a.m. in the funeral home with Pastor Kirk Barger of Wawasee Bible Church officiating.
Burial will follow the service in Warsaw’s Oakwood Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to Great Lakes Caring, 334 Enterprise Drive, Warsaw, IN 46580, or to Lake City Place in support of community activities, 425 Chinworth Court, Warsaw, IN 46580.
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