Kathlyn Joyce Johnston
December 16, 1925 - April 16, 2012
Obituary
K. Joyce Johnston
Joyce was born December 16, 1925 in Medicine Lodge, Kansas, and died April 16, 2012 in Auburn, Washington at the age of 86. Joyce began her life of loving service to her family and country in 1946 as a Army Nurse. She married Arthur Johnston in 1948 and together they raised four children. She was a tribute to her community with all her volunteer work as a social worker, working at the blood bank, PTA, Sunday school teacher, Den leader for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, supported her local Democratic party. Joyce and Art loved to take trips together, traveling to Hawaii, and the world.
Joyce’s heart was very dedicated to her grandchildren and numerous family and friends. She was a giving person, never asking for anything in return, and “never wanted to be a bother”.
Joyce is survived by her daughter Mary Anna Dove and her husband Tom, son Bud Johnston and his wife Molly, son Bruce Johnston and his wife Dawn, and daughter-in-law Sharlene Johnston; sister Camille Netcher, and brother Fred Lasswell and his wife Lisa; grandchildren Jenifer, Christina, Victor, Joe, Katrina, and Jeremy; great-grandchildren Colton, Chole, Sara, Thomas, David, Isabelle, and Teagon. She was preceded in death by her husband Arthur Johnston, Sr., son Cork Johnston, Jr., sisters Eleanor Putman, and Pat Prow, and her parents Fred and Bertha Lasswell.
In memory of Joyce and Art, please donate blood at your local blood bank.
A Memorial Service for Joyce will be held Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 1:00pm at Wayside United Church of Christ, 2000 SW Dash Point Rd., Federal Way, WA 98023.
A light has gone out, and a new angel got her wings. My dear Auntie Joyce finally got to leave her little worn out body behind and passed away, free again to soar with her beloved Arthur. They will dance again. They are already so happy!!!! They will be with Cork, Auntie Pat, Eleanor and Earl, and all those who went before them. They will make some awesome home brew! And blackberry wine :-). And memories for us kids from a very different world. When my own world went upside down, there were very few who stood beside me, but Auntie Joyce was first in line. She loved me. She loved my mom, even though their opinions were diometrically opposed. She taught us all about tolerance, acceptance, being non-judgemental. She made me feel like I was special – her very favorite of all. And her very special gift was that she made everyone feel the same way. On her last day, she looked at me, and we both knew.
I love that woman so.
A light has gone out, and a new angel got her wings.
Grandma, you ended up being my very best friend. I loved the past two years getting to know you as an adult, and not a little girl. You are a wonderful woman that gave everything she could, never asking for anything in return. I love you with all my heart and will forever.
Isabelle and David III were blessed to know their Great-Grandma and loved spending all the time they could with you, Isabelle would ask all the time to go visit Grandma Joyce, she also loved sharing her love of ballet with you and was so proud to be able to show you her pointe work.
I miss you with all my heart, but I’m thrilled to know that you are again with Grandpa, you missed him so. You truly were my angel. I love you Grandma.
Joyce was my dear friend. Even though I visited her when she moved from Shag, I missed the every day chat. She was a good listener and gave me lots of good advice.I’m happy for her that she has moved on and no more pain and suffering. She left behind a good and loving family who loved her dearly.
I grew up just down the road a piece from Joyce and her wonderful “Leave It To Beaver” family. I remember the sunlight streaming in their kitchen on Star Lake Road in Federal Way and Joyce in the kitchen laughing and fixing healthy food for one and all. That ray of light is what I carry with me of Joyce. She was huge inspiration to me.
I will always remember . . .
Her darling smile.
The twinkle in her eye.
The look of love when she looked at Art.
The unconditional love she had for all her children, their children and all who were lucky enough to be Joyce’s friend. I think anyone that met Joyce was an instant friend. She would always do whatever she could to make you feel welcomed and loved.
And most of all, her incredible wisdom.
The wisest and most loving person has left this earth, and she will be missed forever.
“Suddenly you were gone,
From all the lives you left your mark upon…”
Grandma Joyce it was an *honor* knowing you these past years. I can’t possibly put any better what Katrina has already said. I just wanted to say that we’ll all miss you and you’ll always be in our prayers.
We love you. God Bless you.
Aunt Joyce, it was a pleasure knowing you and an honor to be one of your nephews. Thank you for all your visits and stories of your travels. When Blossom and I take our next trip to Hawaii will expect you and Eleanor to be riding shotgun with us. Say hello to my mom, dad and brother Roy. Love You!
I will miss my aunt Joyce. She was always a joy to be around and I always enjoyed our conversations we had together. It is with mixed emotions on hearing of her passing. I selfishly miss not being able to see her again but am glad for her pain being gone and he being to be in a better place.
A vision ~ I see Joyce sitting at her desk in the kitchen of her Star Lake Road home, talking to someone as she helps them deal with some pain, some issue. Always volunteering her time and giving of her wisdom in a loving way.
Her wisdom ~ she had the best advice, no matter what your age, nor your problem or your situation.
Her smile – that cute, little twinkle in her beautiful eye, smirkie type smile.
Her love ~ she made you feel as if you were the one and only, as if you were so special to her.
Anyone who met her fell in love with her – on the spot. Joyce was such a wonderful wonderful person and friend. Such a giver of life, wisdom and love.
I see her in her daughter Mary Anna, that same wisdom and love.
We will all have a huge void without Joyce. But I’m so happy that she’s sharing a homemade beer in a chilled mug with Arthur once again.
I always considered Joyce to be my second Mom. I met her when I was 12, when Mary Anna and the family moved into their Star Lake Road home. I spent many days and nights at their home, going camping with them, going swimming at Lake Tapps, playing pool down in the “basement”. All are cherished memories.
Forever in our hearts, forever in our memories, forever grateful for her friendship and love. Till we meet on the other side of the rainbow….I love you Joyce Johnston!
wow – WHAT A GAL!! I was honored to know her as my “Auntie Joyce”. A wise and loving friend. Pesto, Punkin, the slick & escape artist cat (Simon) I ever had the pleasure of meeting. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for receiving my friendship & offering yours. Thanks for sharing a G&T on the hot summer days vacationing in Boise & an swim now & then on Tetonia. Rest easy wonderful woman, you are missed more than you know. I love you.
Farewell my darling friend. I’ll miss you. You were my sister/friend/mom. My rock. I was so lucky to have you in my life for 54 years. You and Arthur were the best people I’ve ever known.
What could I say that hasn’t already been beautifully said by so many other that love you. You knew how much I adored you and idolized Grandpa.
It started with the trips, summer vacations, and weekend sleepovers. Little by little that love and wisdom wound its way around my heart. You taught me to love thru kindness, compassion, understanding. No matter how that person came to your life.
I will forever carry the song “Amazing Grace” in my heart. Singing it that summer in pioneer garments with you, Eleanor, and Camille. Well it lit a spark of music and singing in me that I’ve taught to my daughter and son. I sing to them like you sang to us.
Then years later to become your roommate and know you not just as a woman but also a friend. Like Katrina and I’m sure most a best friend. To discover your love of music, dancing, literature, and for goodness sakes politics. We shared those interests and so much more.
You showed me photos of family members long since gone. You showed me where we all come from and the one thing that stood out of all of that. Love of life and family. No matter what you’re squabbling about take that person and hug them, tell them you love em.
Your love will always be my “Amazing Grace”. I love you.
I have so many memories of you & Uncle Art, there are too many for the space I’m allowed. I’m so thankful that we made it to your 80th birthday celebration & you were able to meet Mom’s name sake, Sarah. I have the pictures on my computer of you & Sarah while we were there & she asks about you every time she sees them. You will be greatly missed by everyone who knew you. I love you…
She was a very special Aunt. We will miss her Very much.
Always enjoyed visiting her & Uncle Art & all the family.
Dear Joyce we will surly miss you and your wisdom will be missed our thought and prayer go with you and your family. I personaly will our politcal discuson even some of them did get a might heated. It has been a joy to have you in our live with our Love.
My Dearest Auntie Joyce
I have so many wonderful memories as a child visting your house. I always was excited to see the newest thing you were experimenting with. All the wonderful ways you made use of everything. Soap scrapes in mesh bags to bathe with; homemade coco with powdered milk; that wooden owl chime you had hanging from your kitchen/living room doorway that all us kids used as our growth chart. I remember going from not being able to reach it, to tapping its wooden chimes, all the way up to touching the top of the door way. Ohhh, and the candied orange peels. Thanksgiving was magical with all the food. And New Years…us kids slept upstairs while you adutls danced away the night in the basement with your homemade wine. I always dreamed of making it to the point I could join the New Years celebration down stairs. I learned to play the piano from you (what little I was able to) and still to this day can play those songs just like you taught me. I shall miss you so very much, but will forever hang onto those wonderful memories forever and ever.
Maryanne, Bud, & Bruce, I am so sorry you have lost your mother, who is one of the most special people (Aunties) I have ever known. I loved her very much. I can just see Auntie Joyce and Uncle Art dancing in the clouds happy to be back in each others arms again.
Love,
Angie
I would like to thank all that could be at Mom’s service yesterday. It was very nice, It was great to see everyone that came, and to hear all there memories of Mom.
I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. Death is one of the most difficult things we face in life but may it comfort you to know that others care. I have found great encouragement when reading the beautiful words penned in the Bible at Isaiah 25:8 “He will swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will certainly wipe the tears from all faces.” May this promise bring your family comfort in this difficult time.
Aunt Joyce,
I cannot begin to express how important you and Uncle Art have been in my life. You both were my second parents during my growing years and I have wonderful memories of our camping trips. Thank you for your compassion, wisdom and most of all, your love. It has been an honor to be a part of your life.