Beverly Gladys Johnston, 92, of Omro was accepted into God's hands on February 1, 2012 at her residence surrounded by her loving family.
Beverly was born on September 12, 1919, in Shawano, Wisconsin, the fourth child of Alice (Olson) and John Monahan's twelve children. She grew up in Omro where she met Charles Johnston at a barn dance, a common occurrence back then, and on October 18th, 1936, at the age of 17, Bev married Chuck. They lived their entire life together in Omro raising 8 sons and 2 daughters, which kept her busy over the 20 year span from her oldest to her youngest. Charles preceded Beverly in death in 1993.
Beverly spent a great deal of her younger life raising her family at home while working and volunteering for others. She did numerous jobs from home, including caring for other's children and odd jobs. Her eldest son actually taught her to drive. After the youngest son started school, she cleaned homes, worked at Sherm's grocery store, at Miles Kimball and as a teacher's aide at Omro Junction.
Her most admired accomplishment was the work she did as Omro's Meal Site Manager for over 20 years. She greatly enjoyed working and spending time with many members of the community and received awards for her dedication. After 20 years of devotion, she retired at the age of 75 but remained a volunteer 4-5 days a week at the meal site for many years. Bev continued to donate time to her community and charity needs and volunteered weekly at the St. Vincent DePaul's store through her 90th year. Bev was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Omro, where she was actively involved in the Altar Society and other volunteer activities.
Of Bev's ten children, she is survived by 2 daughters and 5 sons. Debra (Ron) Larson of Omro, Gary (Sue Thomas) Johnston of Omro, Jeff (Mary) Johnston of Sheboygan, Pamela Johnston Bose of Omro, Randy (Sue) Johnston of Oshkosh, Brady (Debbie) Johnston of Omro, and Brian (Pam) Johnston of Oshkosh; daughter in law, Trudy Johnston of Omro. She has also thoroughly enjoyed the 22 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren who loved her dearly. Bev is further survived by her sisters, Delores Fisher and Phyllis Davis of Omro, Shirley (Tom) Resheski and Darlene (Gibby) Krentz of Princeton, her brothers, Merle (Cindy) Monahan of Brodhead and Phil (Joyce) Monahan of Beaver Dam, her sister-in-law, Sharlene (Larry) Longworth of Omro and many dear friends, especially Alice.
In addition to her husband, Bev was preceded in death by three of her sons, Terry, Wayne and Arvid, one grandson Wayne, Jr, and by her brothers, Kermit, Keith, Hugh, Pat, and James Monahan.
Family and friends may call from 10 am to 1 pm on Saturday, February 4, 2012, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 730 Madison Av., Omro. A Mass of Resurrection for Beverly will be celebrated immediately following the visitation and burial will be at Omro Cemetery.
Beverly and her family wish to sincerely thank Webster Manor and ThedaCare Hospice for their compassionate and loving care.
Bev has been a faithful and caring friend to many throughout her life and has continued to keep in touch with them even in her later years; she will always be remembered for the love she gave. "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart."