Obituary of Norma Johnstone

Twin Falls - Norma Sherlene Church Johnstone passed away May 6, 2018. She was born 12 minutes before midnight, January 14, 1930 to Sherman F Church and Edna H Slater Church. Norma was born in a maternity home in Twin Falls, Idaho and taken home to Jerome, Idaho. At the age of 4 ½, her parents moved to Dietrich for a year where her dad farmed, moving back to Jerome in the Fall of 1935. She attended Lincoln Elementary in the first grade. She was delighted to attend the new Washington School through part of the fourth grade. Her family moved to the Pleasant Plains area through part of the seventh grade. Then they moved back so she could attend Lincoln School and graduate there from the eighth grade. In 1948, she graduated from Jerome High School. At the age of 15, she started working at MH Kings after school and on Saturdays. After graduation, the manager, Earl Jensen, asked Norma to stay one year and he would give her the office job. She did so for 13 months and saved her earnings. She enrolled at Idaho State College in Pocatello, Idaho taking cosmetology courses. During this time, she developed an allergic reaction to cosmetology chemicals. Finishing the course, she took her state boards and passed but could not continue in cosmetology due to the allergies. So she went back to MH Kings as the bookkeeper. It was at this time she met her husband to be, Dale Johnstone, and married him October 25, 1953. Dale was a farmer which pleased Norma as this was her roots. Dale was a good provider for his wife and family. Over four years later, their first son, Lyle A. Johnstone was born. He was truly a blessing. Ten years and three months later their second son, Terry N. Johnstone was born. He was welcomed into the family with open arms, a joy to all. The farm was a good place to live and raising a family there was a good life. Tragedy struck the family with vengeance when Terry was taken in a motorcycle accident on January 10, 1987. We gained a fine daughter-in-law, Deborah K Handy on June 3, 1977. She was welcomed and loved much. Over time, Lyle and Debbie had a daughter, Aubree Nicole, whom passed away ten days later. Then Jesse Dale Johnstone, Jordan Thomas Johnstone and Terry Judd Johnstone were born to Lyle and Debbie. They have been a real joy to Lyle and Debbie, their grandparents and great-grandparents. As you know, Norma loved all her family dearly. Having many, many friends, she loved them all. Taking up oil painting in 1981, which she surly enjoyed, receiving many ribbons at the county fair. Later taking up colored art pencil, teaching herself this medium which she thoroughly enjoyed, receiving several ribbons as well. She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Dale, and her son Lyle (Debbie), grandchildren Jesse, Jordan (Nicole), Judd (Yvette) and grandchildren, Emma, Asa, Riley, Aubrey and Lainey Johnstone. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Mae Greenawalt, son Terry Johnstone and granddaughter, Aubree Johnstone. No formal funeral service will be held. A gathering of family and friends to celebrate the life of Norma will be held on Saturday, May 26 from 1:00-3:00 in the community room at Rosenau Funeral Home.