Josephine Ruth Vida Johnston went to be with her Lord and Saviour on March 10, 2019 at Royal Oak
Manor in Lacombe at the age of 99 years. Josephine was born to Elmus and Ruth Ryan on December 28,
1919 at the homestead in the Lucerne District outside of Coronation Alberta and was the fourth oldest
of seven children, Ethel (Rennie), Alexander (Buster), Mary, Elmus Jr (Bud), Lloyd and Vera. She grew up on the farm caring for younger children, milking cows and later as a cook for the threshing crew.
Josephine was a quiet and gentle spirit who loved nothing more than to spend time with her mother.
She met Floyd Johnston at a dance in Sylvan Lake and were married 2 years later on Oct 3, 1945 in
Coronation Alberta. Josephine worked alongside Floyd in their store in Bulwark. After selling the store in
Bulwark, Josephine and Floyd bought Lacombe Billiards and moved to Lacombe to start their family.
They had two girls, Terry and Lana. When Floyd sold the business and retired, they spent the winters in
Arizona enjoying the warm weather and spending time with extended family for 13 years.
Floyd passed away on December 20, 1991 at the age of 76, and a few years later Josephine moved to
Piper Creek Lodge in Red Deer where she lived for many years and made many close friends with other
residents and staff. In 2016 she moved to Royal Oak Village in Lacombe.
Josephine was devoted to her family. She is fondly remembered by her sister Vera Miller, daughters
Terry Johnston and Lana (Ernie) Pusch, grandchildren Ryan and Hayley, as well as many other family
members and friends.
The family wish to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at Royal Oak Village in Lacombe for the
care and kindness shown to Josephine in her recent years there. Their friendship and service were so
much appreciated.
The family is planning to have a celebration of Josephine’s life at a later date.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord,
“He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalm 91: 1-2

• Date : 2019-03-10
• Location : Lacombe, Alberta