DODGE CITY – Bernice Rose Johnston 101, passed away peacefully Saturday, September 17, 2022, at her home in Dodge City, Kansas
Born on her mother’s birthday at the family home in Wichita, Kansas on May 9, 1921, to Henry T. Smith and Florence (Hee) Smith, she was their world and only child.
Bernice attended Friends University for several years, but did not complete her degree (to her mother’s ire). Instead, she married J. Paul Johnston, Jr. on July 17, 1942, in Wichita, Kansas. Her travels with Paul during his army service years gave her many fond memories of the people and places she encountered. In 1946, Bernice and Paul moved to Dodge City where they began their family. When her youngest started school, she worked for Cimarron Insurance for a brief time. Needing to be closer to home while raising four children, she found employment at Eckles Department Store in the hosiery and notions department, where she enjoyed her customers and co-workers for twenty plus years
Bernice was an avid bridge player and was a member of the Duplicate Bridge Club for over 60 years. She often remarked bridge was responsible for
her longevity. Her home was her sanctuary, and in her later years, her favorite past time was watching the goings-on of the neighborhood and listening to the wind chimes on her porch. During her lifetime, she prepared countless wonderful meals for her family passing on many favorite recipes that are a part of her culinary legacy. Bernice loved keeping her family close and having holiday celebrations with time to visit, admire the grand and great-grandchildren, play games, and, of course, eat her delicious meals
She will be missed and thought of often.
Survivors include: 4 children, Karen Prosuch and husband Scott, Port Charlotte, Florida, Sally Johnston, Wichita, Kansas, Jean Kolsky and husband Charlie, Dodge City, and John Johnston, III and wife Susanne, League City, Texas; 4 grandchildren, Daniel Kolsky, Rachel Kolsky-Beck, Sean Prosuch, and Shane Johnston and wife Shannon; and 5 great-grandchildren, Jacob, Landon, Maverick, Charlee, and Hudson
She was preceded in death by her parents and on June 19, 2000, her husband
Graveside service will be Thursday, October 6 at 11:00 am at Maple Grove Cemetery with Jeff Hiers officiating. There will be no public viewing, cremation has taken place. Friends and family may sign the register Wednesday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at Ziegler Funeral Chapel, Dodge City
The family suggests memorials to Dodge City Senior Center or Hospice of the Prairie both in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Avenue, Dodge City, Kansas 67801. Condolences may be sent to www.zieglerfuneralchapel.com.
