Wilda Lois Johnston

Wilda Lois Johnston, 90, died Monday, December 30, 2024, at her home in Bartonville, Illinois, following a long bout with dementia. She is survived by her three daughters and one son; Rhonda (Jim) Hall, Deborah Miller, Theresa Hess, and Archie (Debbie) Johnston. Surviving grandchildren include Cortlin (Shane) Meadows, Curtis (Jackye) Miller, Charley (Dawn) Hess, Christopher Hess, Jordan (Tim) Warren, Jenna Hall, Ryan Hall, Cody (Lindsey) Johnston, and Cayla (Bray) Swihart. Lois was also blessed with 19 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren. Lois is also survived by brothers Vernon Hogan and Larry (Nancy) Hogan, sisters-in-law Judy Hogan (Gail) and Deb Hogan (Ronald). Also surviving is a number of nieces and nephews. Lois is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Johnston. Brothers, Gail and Ronald Hogan preceded in death, as well as sister-in-law Mary (Vernon) Hogan. Son-in-law, Jack Miller (Debbie), also preceded Lois in death. Lois also lost a sister at a young age, Velita True Hogan. Lois was born on September 21st, 1934, and raised in Hamletsburg/Brookport, Illinois area. She is the daughter of Cecil and Marie Hogan. Directly after high school, Lois married Charles Johnston on April 29th, 1952, and started her loving family shortly after marriage. Charlie and Lois eventually moved to Bartonville and raised their family. In retirement, they moved back Brookport for some time, before returning to Central Illinois to enjoy their grandkids and great-grandkids Lois worked as a hairdresser, while raising her family. Throughout her long career and life, she forged many friendships that lasted a lifetime. Those friendships led to some of the best times in Lois’ life, whether that be on a trip in an RV or simply overlooking a lake. Lois was fun-loving and quick with a joke. Her sense of humor is something that will be remembered by many. She and Charlie spent years enjoying Beaver Dam Lake in Indiana, and having friends and family enjoy the lake with them. Many family snapshots were made on the banks of that lake, and Lois is in the center of those memories. While in retirement, Lois and Charlie became snowbirds during the winter months in Florida. Over the course of over 20 years, they spent time throughout Florida, including the Gulf Coast and Central Florida. The times spent with friends and neighbors had a wonderful impact on Lois. The family would like to extend gratitude to Lois’s daughter, Debbie Miller for serving as the principal caregiver to Lois. Additional thanks to Cortlin Meadows, Lois’ granddaughter, for the caregiving support to her over the last 3 years. Several family members have played a role, but these two went through extraordinary sacrifice to support Lois over the past 5 years. Lastly, we would like to thank OSF Hospice Care for providing the family direction and guidance along this difficult path. Upon cremation, Lois will be laid to rest alongside her beloved Charlie. Arrangements will be made by Schmidt-Haller. Services will be determined at a later date.

Wilda Lois Johnston

September 21, 1934 - December 30, 2024