Patsy J. Johnston

Patsy "Pat" Johnston (fondly known as "PJ" to family) passed away Monday, June 10, 2013 at the age of 82, in Lincoln Nebraska, where she had been residing since 2008. Patsy Jean Simonson was born October 9, 1930 in Mullen, Nebraska. Her parents were Carl Severin Simonson and June Kemp Simonson, both now deceased. She had 2 brothers, Carl and Ken, and 8 sisters, Doris, Beth, Carol, Shirley, Jane, Harriett, Audrey, and Gwen, who died at age 4. Patsy attended grade school in Mullen and country schools north of Mullen, and graduated from Mullen High School in 1948. She attended Chadron College for 2 summer sessions in 1948 and 1949. She taught school for a short time in 1949. Patsy Simonson married Leland Johnston on October 1, 1949, in Valentine, Nebraska. Although Pat's main occupation throughout her adult life was as a wife and mother, she was well-known throughout the Nebraska Sandhills for her skill as an artist. She not only exhibited statewide and won many awards, she was also one of the founding members of the Thedford Art Gallery in Thedford, Nebraska. She was predeceased by her parents; sisters, Doris Spilker, Carol Taylor, Jane Hodges, Gwen Simonson and Audrey McPeak; brother, Ken Simonson; and son-in-law, Thomas Neill. She is survived by her husband, Leland R. Johnston; her children, Douglas Lee of Honolulu and Lincoln, Steven Lynn (Sharon) of Albuquerque NM, Jerri Ann (Brian) Thompson of Omaha, Kelly S. Neill of Lincoln, and Lisa Kay Franklin (Brad) of Kansas City; six grandchildren, Jordan Keys (Elizabeth) of Albuquerque NM, Drew Jetter of Albuquerque NM, and Rachel, David, Hannah and Elisabeth Franklin of Kansas City; one great granddaughter, Bailey; three sisters, Beth Harding (Frank), Shirley Nutter, Harriett Phipps (Kenneth); and one brother, Carl (Peggy); and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. Memorial Service will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, June 19, 2013, at the United Church of Christ in Thedford, Nebraska. The family suggests memorials to Thedford Art Guild, Thedford, Nebraska.