Marilyn Johnston

September 1, 1931 - May 18, 2020

Marilyn Johnston played her final bridge hand on Monday, May 18, 2020 at Brookdale Sr. Living in Alliance, OH. Even with all her bridge expertise, her cards were just not good enough. Marilyn was born in Canton, OH on September 1, 1931 to parents A. Clyde and Thelma J. Eastham (Quayle). She graduated from Sebring McKinley High School (Valedictorian, Class of 1949) and Westminster College in PA (Magnum Cum Laude, BS Education) graduating in 1953. Before starting a family, she taught at McDonald, Alliance, and Sebring school districts. In 1954 she married the love of her life Roger L. Johnston and began her life journey as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, friend and caregiver. Her love, empathy, compassion, loyalty, and laughter exuded every part of her being. Her greatest passion was bridge, where she attained the Life Master designation. Other interests she enjoyed were golfing, crosswords, sudoku, Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Browns, Jeopardy, Wheel Of Fortune, HGTV, and The Voice. But most of all, she got the most comfort and joy from just visiting with family and friends. After her husband Roger retired, they loved traveling across the United States and experiencing all it had to offer. Once they wore the tires off, they decided winters in Hilton Head Island, SC suited them best. There she and Roger enjoyed long beach walks, warm sunny lazy days and many new lifelong friends. Marilyn leaves to cherish her memory “the boys” Roger Brent (Sebring), Matthew Clyde (Mentor), and Robert Gregory (Marisa) of Los Angeles. Sister-in-law Linda (Butch) Farnsworth (Wooster) and loving niece Diane Farnsworth (Rittman). Two wonderful granddaughters, Natalie Ann Johnston (Los Angeles), and Madeline Jane Johnston (Lewis Center). Marilyn had many close friends who loved her deeply, including Sally Ailes and her best friend and kindred spirit Carole Wilson. She was proceeded in death by her parents, husband Roger L., and son Terrence Scott (whom they lovingly cared for until his death in 1985), and her “sister” Dorothy Ailes. Marilyn was a member of American Contract Bridge League, Hilton Head Bridge Center, Sebring Historical Society, and Alliance Women’s Club. Although she may not physically be here with us anymore, her spirit lives on in our hearts and minds with all the wonderful memories and experiences we were all so lucky to have shared. We know that she is at peace with herself and the world…sailing on through to the next journey...meeting up with Roger in the great beyond. Due to pandemic restrictions, private family services will be held at various locations with a memorial to happen at a later date. The family would like to express our thanks and gratitude to the current and past staff of Brookdale Alliance for all of their care and compassion shown toward Marilyn. In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Marilyn’s memory may be directed to the donors charity of choice. You are invited to view Marilyn's tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories at www.sharerfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by the Sharer-Stirling-Skivolocke Funeral Home.