Obituary of Patricia Johnston

Patricia (Patty) Lou Peck Johnston, 77, of Windmill Manor Care Center, Coralville, Iowa, died of complications of diabetes on Friday, July 3, 2009, after a joyful life of giving, service, and sharing life and laughter with others. Services will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at West Branch United Methodist Church, with the Reverend Scot Patrick officiating. A reception will follow these services at the church, followed by graveside services at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at Cedar Memorial Cemetery in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Patricia Lou Peck was born Nov. 20, 1931, in Ottumwa, Iowa, the daughter of Max (Bill) and Marie Eller Peck. After attending Ottumwa High School, she married Dale Johnston . The couple made their home in Cedar Rapids and were the parents of four children. They later divorced. In her later years, Patty had made her home in Tipton and Iowa City. Patty was a dedicated Mother and employee of St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. She retired after 25 years of service in the Central Services Department, where she enjoyed her position and the time spent with her co-workers. She was a well-loved cook who thrived on spending time with her family and friends, extending a warm welcome to anyone who enjoyed a hug, a story, and a great meal topped off by a cookie! She was also a skilled seamstress who took pride in her sewing, crocheting, and other handcrafts. More than anything else, she was a loving and caring “Mom,” “Grandmother,” and “Great-Grandmother” to many people, including many who were not officially related, but whom she still considered “family.” She had a delightful sense of humor which drew people to her and brought laughter and joy to every occasion. Patty’s family includes her children, Sandy (Ron) Andreasen, West Branch; Jerry (Deb) Johnston, Thornton, Colorado; Susan Johnston, Osceola; and Sherry (Jeff) Wimer, Cedar Rapids. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, who affectionately knew her as “Gurn,” a nickname born after one of her grandchildren was unable to pronounce “Grandma.” Other survivors include a sister, Janet Wemer, Lakeland, Florida; two brothers, Jack Peck and Max Peck, both of Ottumwa , a Special family member, Judy Kennedy of Cedar Rapids and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a special sister-in-law, Sharlene Peck; and a brother-in-law, Ray Wemer. Memorials may be directed to Iowa City Hospice, but the family also requests that people remember Patty in a way that will carry on her zest for life – with a lively spirit, a sense of joy, and precious time with family and friends. Online condolences may be sent for her family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service of Iowa City is caring for Patty’s family and her services.