Obituary of Frances Johnston

Frances Belle Eimers Johnston, age 83, of 20 Burton Avenue, Ripley died Sunday, February 22, 2009 at Hamot Medical Center, Erie after a brief illness. She was born February 27, 1925 in Ripley, NY the daughter of the late Frank and Mary Belle (Foster) Eimers. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Donald T. (DJ) Johnston,who passed away one year ago February 21, 2008. He was the love of her life and for whom she had been married to for more than sixty-five years, exchanging vows on December 24, 1942. Also preceded in death by a sister Ruth Graham Baldwin; and two brothers, Foster O. and Earl N. Eimers. She had been employed at the Ripley Central School as a cafeteria worker for over 30 years and was also co-founder and lifelong member of the Ripley Hose Co. # 1 Fireman's Auxiliary. Family meant everything to Frances as she loved her children and grandchildren and was very proud of them. In 1996, Frances was especially proud to receive her high school diploma and graduate from Ripley Central School along with her three grandchildren Marc, Andy, and Diana. She is survived by one son, David F. Johnston (Christine) of Orchard Park, NY and three daughters, Roxana R. Johnson and Donna M.(Richard) Wade both of Ripley, and Rebecca R.(William) Pratt of North East,Pa. Grandchildren include, Michael, Christopher, and Marc Nichols; Bradley, Dawn (Fleming), and Andrew Wade, Diana (O'Rourke), Rachel, Kyle, and Derek Pratt. Great-grandchildren include, Shandi and Austin Nichols, Ryan and Megan Wade, Nathan, Allyson, and Carly Fleming, and Joshua O'Rourke. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Calling hours will be held Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the MASON FUNERAL HOME, 37 Clinton Street, Westfield,N.Y. and Funeral services will be held Saturday February 28 at 1:00 pm at the funeral home. Interment will be private at Quincy Cemetery, Ripley. Memorials may be made to the Diana O'Rourke Kidney Transplant Fund c/o Community Bank Ripley, N.Y. 14775 or to the John Kanzius Research Fund, Palace Business Center, 915 State Street, Erie,Pa, 16501