Kathryn Rosemary (Drone) Johnstone, formerly of Ridgway
Kathryn Rosemary (Drone) Johnstone of Indianapolis, born Jan. 15, 1917, peacefully departed this world on Oct. 4, 2018.
"Kay" to her friends, and beloved mother to us, was surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in her final days, enjoying even her 101st birthday.
Faith, family and friends were the cornerstone of her life. She and her husband of 50 years, Edward L. Johnstone, enjoyed sailing, traveling, golfing and playing bridge and clabber.
Kay grew up in Ridgway and graduated from Lockyear Business School in 1935 and the University of Illinois in 1941. Her professional career as a registered dietitian began in Arkansas. During World War II, she enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943, where she served in the Medical Corps in Panama and was assigned to the 22nd General Hospital in England.
Returning to Evansville, she worked as a research dietitian at Mead Johnson.
Kay's faith journey began at her home parish in Ridgway. Later, she was active in Sacred Heart and Resurrection parishes, where she participated as a Girl and Cub Scout Leader, CCD teacher and was a member of the Legion of Mary.
Kay was an avid reader, accomplished seamstress and pianist, and embraced new technology. She enjoyed hosting families and friends, and her Ladies Bridge Club. Kay cherished the time spent with her family, especially grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an active member of the Evansville Country Club, the Kennel Club, and the Isla Del Sol Yacht and Country Club (Florida).
Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband, Edward L. Johnstone, her parents, Etta (Zipp) and Marion N. Drone, and her brother Hubert (Emily) Drone.
She is survived by her children Karen (Ron) Minekime and Ed (Eileen) Johnstone; grandchildren, Nicholas (Andrea) Minekime, Julia (Adalberto) Reyes, Thomas (Amber) Johnstone, Katie (Craig) Vargo and Luke (Katie) Johnstone; and great-grandchildren, Ana and Carmen Reyes, Theodore Vargo and Diego Nogales-Minekime.
She taught us how to live, enjoy life and age gracefully. Her favorite word was "marvelous" and indeed she was!
The rite of Christian burial will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 918 W. Mill Road, Evansville, Indiana. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.
Friends may visit with the family from 3:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2, at Alexander North Chapel, 4200 Stringtown Road, Evansville, Indiana and Saturday from 9:15 a.m. until Mass. The Rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2.
The family would like to thank her loving and compassionate caregivers, especially the staff at Marquette Manor Healthcare.
Contributions in her memory may be made to The Sisters of St. Benedict, Ferdinand, Indiana. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderNorthChapel.com.