In Loving Memory: Marlene Kay Johnston September 9, 1943 – August 15, 2025
Marlene Kay (Lackey) Johnston, 81, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on August 15, 2025. Born in Ellwood City, Penn., the second of five children to Harry and Geraldine (Miller) Lackey, she was raised on the family farm and graduated from Ellwood City High School in 1961. She was a talented flutist and proud member of the Wolverine Marching Band.
Marlene married Thomas Johnston in 1962 and was blessed with three children.
Marlene spent 20 years serving as a medical transcriptionist at Ochiltree County Hospital in Perryton, Texas, where she was a member of the Word of Life Church. She later resided at Sunset Estates in Purcell, Okla., where she received loving care after a stroke.
She found joy in bird watching, thunderstorms and the music of MercyMe, John Denver, Neil Diamond and Willie Nelson, and playing with her beloved Boston Terrier, Deacon.
Marlene was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Harry, Robert and Linda Miller and grandson, Dillon Shane Turner.
She is survived by her children, Randy Johnston and wife, Kathy, Cynthia Turner and Pamela Arnold and Marlene’s buddy, and partner in crime, Curtis Arnold; seven grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sister, Carolyn Bohn and many beloved friends and family to include Alice Pingelton and the awesome staff and loyal friends of Sunset Estates, Purcell, Oklahoma.
Her strong spirit and unwavering love will be deeply missed.
Note from Marlene: I appreciate all My Father gave his children on this planet, most especially all nature, something for each and every one of us. He knew we would all be so unique, so he made something unique for each of us. Best of all is His Love. I’m a ‘GG’ - great grandmother and it is wonderful; God is so GOOD! I am very family oriented, have 3 children, 8 grandchildren and 17 great-grands - that’s not counting the ones God blessed me with by marriage, lots of nieces & nephews as well as their children & grandchildren, JUST LOVE MY FAMILY, THANK YOU LORD! Also love all the Boston Terriers, they are fun little dogs.
Online condolences may be made at www.wilsonlittle.com.