Opal Johnston

Opal Ruth Johnston was born on March 9, 1933, in Ebo, Missouri, a daughter to the late Elijah and Ethelyn (Greenlee) Barton. On December 19, 1951, Opal was united in marriage to Robert Luke Johnston in Old Mines, and they shared 55 years together. Opal passed away peacefully on Friday, July 21, 2023, having reached 90 years of age.

Opal attended the St. Joachim Catholic Church, Old Mines, Missouri. She was a member of the St. Ann Sodality, Jefferson County Coon Hunters, Missouri State Coon Hunters and American Coon Hunters Association. In addition to being a member of these organizations, she also served in roles as their secretary and/or treasurer over the years. During the summer, Opal enjoyed all aspects of helping in the hayfield. In the winter she would always go with Bob to feed the cows and check the fences. Her career included work as a custodian and cook for Kingston K-14 School District, and in-home babysitting for many little ones. She wore many hats throughout her life, but her proudest names were Mom, Mommy Opal, Maw Maw Opal, and GiGi! She served as a “mother” role to many over her 90+ years and loved each one.

Those who remain to cherish her memory include her six children: Robert Johnston (wife, Vicki), Diana Brand (husband, Denny), Roger Johnston (wife, Becky), Donald Johnston (wife, Stephanie), Nancy Johnston-Beall (husband, Michael), and Richard Coleman (wife, Kim); grandchildren: Dennis Lee Brand, Doug Brand (wife, Beth), Katie Harris (husband, Tim), Abigail Traxel (husband, Joshua), Emily Gau (husband, Neil), Beau Beall (wife, Megan), Jason Coleman (wife, Megan), Cassie Holdman (husband, Ryan), and Tara Smith (husband, Brandon); great-grandchildren: Dougie (wife, Kara), Hailee, Caleb, Layne, Elizabeth, Jackson, Ezekiel, Anna, Widlina, Carter, Nolan, Gavyn, Andrew, Blake, Lucas, Macklin, Riley, Hannah, Easton and Kyle; and brother-in-law, James Johnston (wife, Carol). Opal also leaves behind many dear nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

In addition to her father and mother, Opal was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bob Johnston on October 5, 2007; daughter, Mary Ann Johnston; siblings: Burgess Barton and Carl Barton; and three sisters-in-law: Rose Ann Richard, Mary Catherine Portell and Florence Johnston.

Visitation will be held Sunday, July 23, 2023 from 3:30 - 8:00 pm, held at DeClue Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in memory of Opal on Monday, July 24, 2023, beginning at 10.:00 am, at St. Joachim Catholic Church in Old Mines, Missouri. Presiding will be Father James Dyer, Monsignor James Hanson and Deacon Ed Boyer. The Rite of Committal will follow at St. Joachim Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Opal may be given to St. Anne Sodality - 10120 Crest Rd, Old Mines, MO 63630 and Bates Creek Missionary Church - 10350 Bates Creek Church Rd, Potosi, MO 63664.

DeClue Funeral Home has been honored to care for Ms. Opal Johnston's family during this time.