Martha (Conn) Johnston

Martha Imogene Johnston, 87, of Kendallville, passed away peacefully in her sleep from a silent heart attack at Lutheran Life Villages in Kendallville on April 16, 2020.  
Martha was born in Royal Center, Indiana to George and Vera Conn on October 5, 1932. She graduated from Churubusco High School in 1950. In October of 1951, Martha married Kenneth Johnston of Churubusco, Indiana. Martha and Kenny raised four children, both in the United States and for a time in France - while Kenny continued his extended service as a Master Sargent in the United States Air Force. 

In 1970, the couple bought a home on Diamond Street in Kendallville. They lived there until Kenny’s passing earlier this year. Martha, a loving wife and mother, especially treasured her time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In quieter moments, she enjoyed sewing, crocheting, playing holiday tunes and traditional hymns on the piano or working word puzzles. A fine cook, she hosted many family dinners and was greatly appreciated for her excellent lasagna, memorable cheese cake and delicious pies. Martha loved holidays. Throughout her life she collected bundles of family greeting cards from those events, year by year - holding on to those special times and memories,          

Martha was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two sisters, and one great-grandchild. She is survived by four children; Jackie (Jim) Liggett, Bloomington, Indiana, Valerie (Loren) Heinlen, Lagrange, Indiana, Eric (Sherri) Johnston, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Melissa (Gary) Fordeck, Avilla, Indiana; seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister, Ruth Gelbaugh, North Webster, Indiana.

Martha will be laid to rest alongside her husband at Eel River Cemetery near Churubusco. Internment services for the immediate family will be conducted by Hite Funeral Home of Kendallville.  Memorials are encouraged to the Alzheimer’s Association.  

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