Alice Johnston Obituary : Alice Lucille Bowen Johnston, born on September 13, 1931, in Maloy, Iowa, to James Corbley and Ruby (Smith) Bowen, peacefully departed this life on [Date]. Alice’s journey began in Maloy before she moved to Benton, Iowa, where she attended Benton school and graduated as the valedictorian of her senior class. During her school years, Alice was known for her athleticism, particularly as a member of the 6-on-6 high school girls basketball team.
Following graduation, Alice embarked on a fulfilling career journey. She worked at Gunter Jewelry Store in Mt. Ayr, IA, and later at the Bedford Café in Bedford, Iowa. It was at the café where she met her beloved husband, Thomas T(Tim) Johnston, whom she married on June 18, 1950. Alice then ventured into the realm of numbers, beginning her bookkeeping career at Johnston Motor Co. in Mt. Ayr, Iowa. In 1961, the family relocated to Fort Madison, Iowa, where Alice dedicated over 30 years of service in the Production Control Office of Sheaffer Pen Corp., retiring in 1993. Alice and Tim shared 37 years of marital bliss until Tim’s passing in 1988.
Family was central to Alice’s life. She cherished the opportunity to spoil her grandsons during their early years and delighted in attending their sports events and activities. Her home on Oak Drive became a hub for family gatherings, welcoming nieces, nephews, and their friends. As the fifth of twelve children, with 25 nieces and nephews, Alice reveled in participating in numerous family events and celebrations.
In her later years, Alice found joy in traveling with loved ones, spending Friday nights at the casino, and watching sporting events on TV. She maintained her tradition of balancing her checkbook with pencil and paper, a testament to her steadfastness and independence.
Alice is survived by her son, Thomas T. “Ted” Johnston Jr., and wife Joan of Ft. Madison; grandsons Todd Johnston (Rachel Hodges) of Murrells Inlet, S.C., and Nicholas (Kate) Johnston of Bloomington, IL; great-granddaughters Emma Olson, Maddie, and Mia Johnston; siblings Mickey Routh of Mt. Ayr, IA, Joe (Alice) Bowen of Iowa City, IA, and Sandy Hulett of Osage Beach, MO; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sisters, Annie Haley, Sally Pratte, Katie Butler, Jean Herrington, and Belle Graham; brothers, James, Jr. “Bobby”, Larry Bowen, and Jerry “Oscar” Bowen.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has been entrusted to King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024, at 1:30 PM at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory, with Rev. John Simpson officiating. Prior to the service, the family will receive friends from 12:30 PM until the time of the service. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery.