May 1, 1933 ~ April 19, 2012
Norma Jean (Jeanne) Baker Johnston was born May 1, 1933 in Wichita, KS to Alvin Jean and Anna Marie (Williams) Baker. After years of many challenging health problems, she passed away peacefully with her family at her side on April 19, 2012 at the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice in Wichita, KS.
Jeanne graduated from Caldwell High School with the class of 1951. On February 21, 1954 she married Alvin Johnston, her high school sweetheart, in Caldwell, KS. This was just two weeks after her father’s sudden death. To this union were born two daughters Cindy and Rachelle. Jeanne graduated from the Wesley School of Nursing in the spring of 1954.
Jeanne worked as a registered nurse at the Caldwell Hospital. She began her career in nursing when the Caldwell Hospital was located at the north end of Main street. She later became the director of nursing. She especially enjoyed working in surgery and the emergency room, and she was present when quite a few area residents were born. She taught nurses aide classes and was a mentor to many entering into nursing.
Jeanne was a member of the Central Christian Church in Caldwell where she served as a deaconess and was a member of the Cornerstone Sunday School Class. She was active in Eastern Star, Past Matrons, and worked in an advisory role with Rainbow Girls for many years. After her retirement from nursing, Jeanne was instrumental in founding the Sumner County Hospital District #1 Auxiliary and served as their first president.
Jeanne was a loving wife. She and Alvin had the kind of relationship all couples hope to have. Their marriage was a great example of what it means to be husband and wife, she was a supportive and loving mother. She enjoyed spending time with family, shopping, cooking, camping, family vacations. Having grandchildren brought a special joy to her life. She and Alvin rarely missed activities Nick and Matt were involved in. Her great grandchildren were a great source of pride and enjoyment. Jeanne was an inspiration to her family facing her challenges with a positive attitude. Through all of her recent health issues she never had a negative comment.
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 58 years, Alvin; daughters Cindy (Greg) Wolff of Herington, KS and Rachelle Johnston of Gallatin, TN; Grandsons Nick (Autumn) Wolff of Victoria, KS and Matt ( Teresa) Wolff of Lawrence, KS; and Great Grandchildren Austin and Alyssa Wolff of Victoria, KS.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 23, 2012 at the Central Christian Church in Caldwell.
Interment will be in the Caldwell City Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to the Sumner County Hospital District #1 Volunteer Auxiliary.
Following the graveside friends are invited back to the Central Christian Church to visit with the family.
Leave Condolences
Condolences
Gayle Struble
Family and Friends - 04/20/2012
Al, so sad to hear of Jean's passing. Thought of ya'll a lot since you moved and John Deere closed. Sending prayers your way.
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Lucille Wolff
Family and Friends - 04/21/2012
My kids & our family....I am going to miss my Jeanne, we have shared so many wonderful memories in sharing our family. Memories are what I live on.... She has always been such a caring loving person. Alvin was a great caring loving husband to his Jeanne .. My love and prayers are with my great family.....
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Jim and Linda Quillin
Family and Friends - 04/21/2012
Alvin, so sorry to hear of your loss. We have missed you since you have moved. You and your family are in our prayers.
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Veda Mitchell (McCants)
Family and Friends - 04/22/2012
My condolences go to the family. I babysat the girls when they were young and have a lot of fond memories of my time with their family. Will keep your family in my prayers.
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Tom and Carole Melton
Family and Friends - 04/22/2012
There are so many fond memories from the last 40+ years of our friendship with Alvin and Jeanne. We all became family. Our trips together, Jeanne and I going to out of town meetings, weekly trips to the Green Door (Jeanne's favorite eating place), time at the lake, and just being together were all happy times. We are going to miss you, Jeanne.
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Louise and Gary Mcgregor
Family and Friends - 04/22/2012
LO
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Carolyn K. Johnson
Family and Friends - 04/22/2012
My condolences to Alvin, Cindy, Rachelle and all family - Jeanne loved talking about her and Alvin's children, grand children and great grand's, loved hearing all about them - loved visiting with you Alvin and Jeanne while living here in Wichita - Jeanne was such an insperation to Marilyn and me -
Love you all,
CKJ
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A. Hybsha
Family and Friends - 04/23/2012
Jeanee was a grat asset to the comunity,Alvin and her always greeted me when I came to Calwell,She will be missed
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Pam
Family and Friends - 04/23/2012
Cindy, Greg and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Mrs. Johnstons' passing, I know that she had put up a very strong fight, but now she is happy and in a wonderful peaceful place. She will always be with you all through love and wonderful memories. Peace be with you all in this time.
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Melane
Family and Friends - 04/23/2012
I am so sorry for your loss.
We are keeping you in our prayers.
Love you all.
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Debi Thompson
Family and Friends - 04/23/2012
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. It is never easy to lose someone you love. May God surround you with his loving arms of grace.
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Carol Head
Family and Friends - 04/23/2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Loosing someone you love dearly is never easy. I have been where you are, and I can tell you that the memories you have made over your lifetime will come back to you again & again to warm your heart, and make you smile. She will always be in your heart and only a thought away. May God Bless each of you both now and in the days, weeks & months to come....
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Charlotte Thompson
Family and Friends - 04/23/2012
Thinking of you during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and Prayers.
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Kathie Keown Henton
Family and Friends - 04/29/2012
Jeanne was a mentor; she worked with a 16 year old "kid" at the Caldwell Hospital that lead me to a career in healthcare. So sorry for your loss Alvin and girls.
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Dianne Unruh Lanier
Family and Friends - 04/30/2012
Cindy and Rachel, I have sweet memories of your mom, playing at your house, learning from her in 4-H and being such a good friend to my mom. May sweet peace live in your heart and bring you comfort in your time of loss.
