Mary Ann Johnston

Johnston, Mary Ann
1934-2009. We learned about love from you, watching your caring ways. We learned about joy from you, in fun-filled yesterdays. Mary Ann was born on June 11, 1934 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, the only child of Luther and Clara (Cummings) Tally. In her adolescence, she began a lifelong interest in English grammar and excelled at it in school. As a young woman, Mary Ann was an accomplished field archer winning local and regional competitions in the sport of archery. She graduated from North High School and attended Phoenix College where she met Joseph Johnston. In 1953, Mary Ann and Joe were married at St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Phoenix and later, began their family. Together, Mary Ann and Joe had four children, Deborah, Cathy, Joanne and John. The family enjoyed many outdoor activities including camping, hiking, field archery and fishing together. Raising her family was one of the great joys of Mary Ann's life. She was very proud of each of her children and their individual accomplishments. During the early 1970's, the family moved to San Jose, California for a short period; then moved to the Conejo Valley in Ventura County, California. During this time, Mary Ann was employed for many years by Conejo Valley School District. Mary Ann and Joe later divorced. In later years, Mary Ann returned to Phoenix and enjoyed a number of hobbies. She was an avid cook, collecting and experimenting with many recipes. She loved to try new things in the kitchen. She was especially known for her preparation of wild game dishes. Her apple pie is legendary! Mary Ann also enjoyed "treasure hunting" at antique, second-hand and thrift stores. She was constantly on the look-out for a special memento for one of her family. Mary Ann loved animals. The family had many pets over the years. Her most recent companion was her beloved dog, "Skipper". However, all of these interests pale in comparison to the joy she took in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mary Ann relished being called, "Granny" and always kept a rocking chair for special moments with the grand and great grandchildren. She was a wonderful and loving Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. Mary Ann passed away on July 7, 2009, with family by her side. She is survived by children, Deborah (Rudy) Johnson, Cathy (Robert) Lebaron, Joanne (George) Ryan and John (Kathleen) Johnston; grandchildren, Rudy II (Dori) Johnson, Richard Johnson and Joe Warner; great grandchildren, Aaliyah and Angela. She was preceded in death by her father, Luther, mother, Clara and former husband, Joseph Johnston. Mary Ann wished to be buried along with the remains of her granddaughter, Jennifer Marie Warner, who lived only a few short hours, in a private service. Arrangements are being handled by Greenwood Memory Lawn Mortuary and Cemetery in Phoenix, (602) 272-5639.