Marylyn Rae Johnston (Bolivar)'s Obituary
Marylyn Rae Johnston, age 74, passed onto her heavenly home December 29th, 2010. She was born in September 29, 1936 in Herrin, Illinois. Marylyn married Bill Johnston on August 16, 1970. They made their home on a farm near Pleasant Hope, Missouri.
Marylyn was preceded in death by her son, Christopher Davenport; her adoptive parents John and Ruby Reese; her biological parents Paul and Carrie Donahue; two brothers, John Donahue and Ronald (Donahue) Musser; and one sister, Shirley Donahue.
She is survived by her husband, Bill Johnston, Pleasant Hope, Mo.; her daughter, Candy Mayfield and husband Ronnie, Halfway, Mo.; three grandchildren, Rae Anna Moler and husband Daniel, First Lieutenant Ronnie Mayfield and wife Helen, Clint Mayfield and wife Randi; seven great-grandchildren Isaac Mayfield, Ella Smith, Dragan Moler, Randall Mayfield, J.D. Mayfield, Kent Mayfield and Nate Mayfield; one sister, Maxine Clendenin and three brothers, Joe Donahue, Jack Donahue and Jim (Donahue) Holderfield.
Marylyn worked with the University of Missouri and was a dietary manager. She was a gifted artist and painter. Special highlights of her life are her children and grandchildren, marriage to Bill and being united again with her brothers and sisters. Beyond that, she has been quoted as saying, “Being saved by the Lord Jesus Christ was the most important time in my life. With this turn in my life I felt for the first time I belonged to someone and that I was truly loved.”
Marylyn was happiest in her garden and when surrounded by her family and friends. She was known to her grandchildren as the “Garage Sale Queen.” She was always quick with a laugh and full of practical jokes. She brought much joy to those around her. She lived her life with compassion and grace and was always there with a helping hand for those in need. She was affectionately known to her great-grandchildren as Mere-Mere and she always made every occasion with them special and magical. One of her last requests was that we extend her forgiveness to everyone over the course of her life who has miss-spelled her name.
Graveside services for immediate family will be held at the Brighton Cemetery at 1:00pm, Friday, December 31, 2010 with Reverend Fred Pritchett and Ronnie Mayfield officiating under the care and direction of the Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar, Missouri. No visitation will be held. Musical selections will be “One Day At A Time”, “Wind Beneath My Wings”, “Suppertime” and “I’ll Fly Away” with a Dove Release to take place at the end of the services. Pallbearers will be First Lieutenant Ronnie Mayfield, Clint Mayfield, Isaac Mayfield, Terry Johnston, Tom Johnston and Daniel Moler.
Memorial contributions may be made in remembrance of Marylyn, to Citizen’s Memorial Hospice Program or Oxford Hospice Program both in care of the Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar, Missouri.
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