Janet Johnston
September 07, 2011
Janet Johnston, 72, passed away peacefully at Madrid Home Community on Wednesday, September 7, 2011. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, September 12, 2011, at Ss. John and Paul Catholic Church, 1401 1st Avenue South in Altoona, with burial to follow at the Altoona Cemetery.
Janet was born December 30, 1938, in rural Sac County, Iowa, the daughter of John and Lucille (Bauer) Sampers. Janet graduated from Hayes High School in Storm Lake, Iowa, after which she attended Airline School in Kansas City. She worked at an Abstract Company in Sioux City for numerous years prior to marrying Lyle Johnston in 1959. Janet and Lyle were members of Ss. John and Paul Catholic Church. Janet was an avid collector and enjoyed going to auctions, reading biographies, and above all loved spoiling her grandchildren.
Janet was a devoted, loving wife, mother and grandmother who gave of herself unconditionally.
Janet is survived by her daughters, Julie (Greg) Wilhelm and their children, Kelly, Alyssa and Joel; Laurie (Larry) Ohland; Theresa (Kent) Lullmann and their children, Colton, Dalton and Carson; Kris (Jason) Jones and their children, Brandon, Kyle, Lauren and Garrett; and Kari (Jeremy) Montgomery and their children, Nathan, Alex and Tyler; brothers, Richard “Butch” (Connie) Sampers and Jerry (Karen) Sampers; sisters, Nancy (Richard) Naberhaus and Rose Mary Sampers and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Lyle Johnston; her brother, Ronald Sampers and her parents.
The family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, September 11, 2011, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street. Memorial contributions may be made to the Madrid Home Communities, 908 N. US Hwy 69, Huxley, Iowa 50124, in loving memory of Janet.
Janet’s family would like to thank all of the family and friends for their outpouring of generosity and warm thoughts throughout this most difficult time. It is truly appreciated more than you will ever know. Thank you.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Karen Bruce
09/15/2011
I am so very surprised and sad to see Janet's obituary in the Altoona paper. I didn't know that Lyle had passed away either. It seems like it was about two? years ago that I ran into Janet at Van Metre's auction in Marshalltown. We didn't really get to talk but she was laughing and happy like she always seemed to be. She really liked buying Fenton and purses. I teased her about having to store all she bought in her basement.
I met Lyle and Janet going to auctions maybe 22? years ago. I only knew them casually at first. One night I was at an auction out in Waukee only to find out that I had forgotten my checkbook with no way to pay. Janet heard me talking and offered to pay my ticket for me. I was so shocked and grateful. There was no way she knew me well enough to trust me to repay it like that, but she did! I sent her a check right away. After that we got to talking with Lyle and Janet at most every auction. Years later she worked for me occasionally at my antique store in Valley Junction. I always knew I could trust her. She was a good worker, too. She even dusted when it wasn't busy! Wow!
Lyle like to tease as I am sure you know. When I was still pretty green, he told me I should bid on this "antique washing machine". I bid without looking. Stupid me! I bought this plunger type washer. It was only good for displaying toilet paper for displaying toilet paper.
I am so sorry for the loss of your parents. I have many happy memories of them both.
Karen Bruce
Jeanne VanGenderen
09/09/2011
Laurie and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during the days ahead.
Jeanne
(teacher/friend)
Mary Ohland
09/08/2011
Laurie, Larry and family you have my heart felt sympathy; my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.
Janet was an extraordinary person. May God give you the strength to get though the days ahead and may his healing power be with each and everyone of you.
She is now a burning star that is lighting up the heavens!
RIP Janet