Memorial Services for Lora Lee Johnston, 86, Lawrence, will be held March 6 at 3:00-4:00pm at Brandon Woods at Alvamar, 1501 Inverness Drive, in the Oaks Building, 2nd floor Town Hall.
Mrs. Johnston died Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at her residence.
She was born April 24, 1926 in Oakland, CA to Louis M. and Zeta Lee Smith Bliler. She graduated from UC Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
She married Richard F. Johnston in 1948 in Oakland, CA. He survives of the home. After Richard received his PhD, he and Lora moved from Oakland to Las Cruces, NM where they lived for a few years, eventually moving to Lawrence in 1958.
Mrs. Johnston worked as an artist and homemaker most of her life. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, creating and selling stained glass at the Phoenix Art Gallery, playing the piano and harpsichord, traveling, reading, her pets, and nature. She was also a member of the Kansas Mycological Society. She was quite a renaissance woman.
Other survivors include three daughters, Regan Johnston and husband Carl Lutz of Pomona, KS, Janet Johnston and husband Mark Rose of Langley, WA, Cassandra Johnston and husband Douglas McEnery of Al Manama, Bahrain; and two grandchildren, Miles McEnery of Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Winn McEnery of Humboldt, CA.
Mrs. Johnston was dearly loved and cherished by her family and those who knew her.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Lawrence Humane Society, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.
We are all sadden to hear of Lora’s passing. Loosing anyone we love is difficult. It was difficult for Jesus when he lost a dear friend. But we know that our loss is only temporary. We have the beautiful hope that Jesus gave us at John 5:28 of the resurrection.
But what is even more beautiful and reassuring is what Luke wrote at Luke 20:38. He tells us that Jehovah is a God not of the dead but of the living for they are all alive to him. Isn’t that a comforting thought. Even though we may die Jehovah does not view us as dead. That is because they are alive in Jehovah’s memory, awaiting the resurrection.
And that is the view that we need to have. It is not a permanent loss, only temporary.
Ps.116:15 reminds us that Precious in the eyes of Jehovah is the death of his loyal ones. Our worship to Jehovah is so precious to him that he will not allow death to put a permanent end to our worship.
May you keep these thoughts and promises close to your heart.
If you would like to learn more about the bible’s promises please contact one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Your friend,
Chris Wahl
Oh dear Cassie, Janet, and Regan –
I was so saddened to hear this news. Talked with mom about this. The changes now feel much more epic. Love to you all. Know how difficult this time is. Such lovely memories of your mother – one in a million. She will forever be in my mind playing the harpsicord or working in the yard. Blessings
Dear Cassie, Janet and Regan,
I will be thinking of all of you and your father as you celebrate your mother’s life tomorrow. Her unusual and lively sense of humor will be missed by everyone. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Rob Seaver
We’re so very sorry to hear this news about one of our favorite neighbors. Lora and Richard hold a very special place in our hearts, and to us the house will always be known as “the Johnston’s.” Cheer’s Lora!