Marjorie L. Johnston

Monday, January 24, 2005

Feb. 2, 1906-Jan. 21, 2005

After a 98 year life filled with travel, culture, family and friends, Marjorie Lillian Johnston, of McCook, passed away at the Community Hospital of McCook, on Jan. 21, 2005.

Marjorie was born in Atkinson on Feb. 2, 1906. She was one of two daughters and three sons to William L. and Violet (Malzacher) Schultz.

Post high school graduation from Atkinson High School in 1923, Marjorie taught in the local rural school system for 2 years. She left this position to matriculate at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Utilizing her passion for education, Marjorie later taught in both the Minneapolis, Minn., and McCook school systems.

On Sept. 1, 1930, Marjorie married fellow educator Phillip M. Johnston, a member of the McCook school system faculty at that time. The couple later owned and operated the Chief Motel in McCook.

Marjorie's interest in travel was fulfilled while Phillip was employed by The Grolier Book Company. Acting as his personal navigator and bookkeeper, she accompanied him on his many school book selling trips throughout the Southwest United States and Hawaii.

Later in life, Marjorie developed a strong love for art and personal expression. She became an accomplished water colorist and active member of the McCook Art Guild for over 20 years. Combining her passions for art and travel, Marjorie had the opportunity to participate in various painting holidays including ones to Guatemala and St. Simon's Island. She was also a very avid gardener and reader.

Marjorie was a long-standing member of the Memorial United Methodist Church in McCook. Other affiliations included the PEO, Chapter BU in Atkinson and the PEO, Chapters X and FA in McCook. While attending the University of Nebraska, she pledged and was activated as a member of the Zeta Gamma Chapter of Phi Mu Sorority.

Marjorie was very proud of her most recent honor for 50 years of service to the Daughters of the American Revolution, 37th Chapter in McCook.

Her survivors include nieces Barbara Tullo of Pine, Ariz., and Marjorie Sims of New Ipswich, N.H.; and nephews Bill Schultz of Oakland, Calif., Dick Schultz of Palo Alto, Calif., and Jack Schultz of Los Angeles, Calif.

Marjorie's wish is for contributions to be made to the McCook Educational Foundation for The Phillip M. Johnston Memorial Scholarship Fund, in lieu of flowers.

Services are Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., at Memorial United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Jeff Thurman officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation is Tuesday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. The casket will remain closed. Friends may go online at www.carpenterbreland.com to extend condolences.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.