Mary “Jody, Mary Jo” Josephine Johnston (nee Butler), of Butler, PA, passed away on Sunday, June 11, 2023, under the care of Advance Care in Butler.
Jody was born in Butler, PA to E.H. Butler and Anna Munro Butler. She spent all of her life in Butler, except for when traveling with her family. She had several careers during her life as a kindergarten teacher, preschool teacher, mother, retail associate, and volunteer.
Jody graduated from Butler High School in 1963. She then attended Slippery Rock College for Elementary Education. She did student teaching at Broad Street in Butler and after graduating, taught kindergarten at this same school she attended in her childhood.
Jody was always a talented artist. This helped her create lesson materials for her class as well as providing enjoyment in her free time. She and David both were woodworkers and many of her creations decorate their home. She became excellent at counted cross-stitch, which she used to make many pieces for her family and display at the local store. These creations are cherished family mementos. She excelled as an amateur photographer, photographing her travels, specifically natural wonders and family. She also used her talents to take Christmas photos as a fundraiser for the Butler Dog Training Association.
Her other great passion was volunteerism. She was active in both children’s programs, sports, bands, and lent her artistic talent to school prom decorations, face painting and many school festivals. She took up dog training later in life and through Butler Dog Training Association spent many hours doing canine therapy work with children and adults.
She is survived by her husband of almost 55 years, David B. Johnston of Butler, PA, whom she married on August 10, 1968, daughter, Heather A. Johnston of Jupiter, FL, son-in-law, Frank Erlacher of Jupiter, FL, son, Noah Wolf-Johnston of Evans City, PA, daughter-in-law, Amanda Wolf-Johnston, granddaughter, Einin Wolf-Johnston, brother, Grant (Betty) Butler of Plantation, FL and sister-in-law, Elizabeth “Betty” Butler of Butler, PA.
Jody was preceded in death by siblings, Eddie Butler, Amelia “Minnie” Vogel, Lovina “Love” Butler, and Katie “Kay” Sampson.
The family would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to the staff of Advance Care and VNA Hospice for all of their help and support over the past few months.
A celebration of life service for Jody will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, Inc., 124 E. North St., Butler, PA 16001.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in Jody’s honor be made to Busch Wildlife Sanctuary (www.buschwildlife.org)