Gerry Lynn Johnston

Gerry Lynn Johnston, 68, passed away on August 5, 2016, at the Kobacker House inpatient hospice facility in Columbus, OH. She was born on July 31, 1948 in Akron, Ohio to Howard and Margie (Loney) Ott, Sr.

It is said that a day without laughter is a day wasted. If this is the scale of life, then Gerry lived it well. People would often say that Gerry's laughter was funnier than the joke, itself. Time spent with family and friends was the epitome of happiness to Gerry. She achieved her "bucket list" goals of going to Hawaii and going on a cruise, but the joy she gleaned from a simple chat session with those she loved was even greater in Gerry's eyes. Gerry could whip up a party at a moment's notice but could also turn a simple gathering into a time no one would forget. Her love for the holidays couldn't have been greater as it meant nearly non-stop visits with those she loved. We rest assured that Gerry is enjoying the splendors of heaven and a great reunion with loved ones.

Gerry grew up in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. She graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School in Cuyahoga Falls, OH in 1967. After high school she worked many jobs but found her career at the Department of the Treasury. She worked for the Internal Revenue Service in various positions, but most enjoyed her time working with the public in taxpayer services. She retired in 2006 after 26 years. Upon her retirement she was the recipient of the Albert Gallatin Award by the United States Department of the Treasury for her contribution to public service.
Gerry was a member of North Columbus Baptist Church. She enjoyed just about any game but was definitely a lover of mah jongg. Gerry also loved many crafting endeavors but was particularly fond of ceramics, which she gladly painted and shared with her family and friends.

Gerry was preceded in death by her parents Howard Charles Sr. and Margie Ott and her brother, Howard C. Ott, Jr.
Gerry is survived by her former spouse of 27 years Hal D. Johnston of The Villages, FL; her son, Hal S. (Shellie) Johnston of Galloway, OH, her daughters, Tina Johnston of Columbus, OH and, Kristie (Peter) Jukkola of Columbia, CT; her brothers William Ott of Bonita Springs, FL and James (Nora) Ott of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio and twin sister Adelyn (Mark) Thomas of Hilliard, OH, grandchildren, Brandon Johnston, Hal Michael Johnston, Alec Johnston, Bailey Johnston, Robert Johnston, Timothy Jukkola, Adelyn Jukkola, Johannah Jukkola, Samuel Jukkola and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11am, Saturday, August 13, 2016 at the North Columbus Baptist Church, 3728 Snouffer Road, Columbus, OH 43235.The family will be greeting friends and relatives from 10-11am at the church. Guests are welcome to share in a lunch provided by the family where memories and laughter will, no doubt, be shared immediately following the service at Cameron's American Bistro, 2185 West Dublin Granville Road, Worthington, OH 43085 (About 3 miles from the church. The restaurant is closed to the public during our lunch).

Your laughter we miss.

Your memories we treasure.

We love you always.

Forgetting you never.