Irene Rinne Johnston, 94, of Shawnee, KS passed away March 14, 2014. She was born Dec. 23, 1919 in Mayview, MO to John E. and Clara Stratman Rinne. She graduated from MayviewHigh School in 1936. She then attended Warrensburg Teachers College, graduating in 1938. Irene taught grades 1-8, in a one room school house, for one year in Wheatly, MO, before moving to Kansas City in 1940. She worked at the Phillips Hotel in KCMO, Russell Stover Candies, and H. D. Lee Company where she met her husband Hillis E. Johnston. They were married June 30, 1945. She worked at several jobs throughout her lifetime but thought of her primary purpose in life as serving her Lord, and His Church, in whatever way presented itself to her each day. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, by two sisters, Lucille Fiegenbaum and Mary Ayler, and two brothers, Delmar Rinne and Melvin Rinne. Irene is survived by her children; John F. Johnston (Dede), David B. Johnston (I.C.), Rebecca J. Stanchik, and Rick S. Johnston (Pam), grandchildren; Brian Johnston (Kristin), Matt Rippee (Jennifer), Zachary Johnston (Maggie), Lauren Worden (Jeremy), Caroline Johnston Polisi (Ryan), and Emily Stanchik (Chris), and great-grandchildren; Cameron, Jackson, Connor, Olivia, Bennett, Adeline, McKinley, Molly, and William.

Visitation & Funeral Service

A visitation will be held Monday, March 17th from 10 to 11 am at the First Baptist Church of Shawnee. The funeral service will follow at 11 am, also at the church. Burial will be in Shawnee Mission Memory Gardens.

Contributions

Donations may be made in memory of Irene to The First Baptist Church of Shawnee or to AberdeenVillage (Good Samaritan program).