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Montana State University Billings

Laurie Johnston Obituary

Laurie Johnston

May 10, 1961 - January 6, 2024

BUTTE - It is with a heavy heart that we say "See you next time" to our daughter, sister, wife, aunt, cousin, niece and friend, Laurie Johnston, who passed away after a brave battle with cancer. Laurie was born in Durango, CO to Carole and Floyd Johnston. Her early years were spent in Grand Junction, CO where she greeted her sister and brother before living in Collbran and then Montrose, CO. The family moved her 9th grade year to Huron, SD where she graduated from high school. Laurie later joined her family in Billings, MT and worked in various special needs group homes before earning her bachelor's degree in special education from Eastern Montana College. The early part of her career was spent in several small towns before settling in Las Vegas, NV for almost 15 years. She married Wayne Maeshack in 2000, whom she loved every day of her life. It was during this time she honed her skills as a special education teacher, supervisor and administrator which enabled her to help hundreds of special needs kids and their parents through their educational and life journeys. More than once, we saw Laurie spend her last dollars to buy supplies, clothes, or food for her kids. In Las Vegas she also earned her master's degree in education to better serve her students' needs. Laurie left Las Vegas to teach in Tennessee and California before finishing her career at East Middle School in Butte.

After retiring, Laurie had many grand adventures with Mom in "their" RV and on international trips. Whether they were going to visit a nephew launching a rocket in Alabama, swimming under the falls in Oklahoma or trekking to Greece and seeing another nephew, you can be sure the music was loud and happy memories were made. During her last year she was able to see her family several times with a nephew's wedding in Butte, a family reunion in Grand Lake, CO and on Christmas Eve in her home which gave her great pleasure in her final days.

Laurie had an oversized heart, and never hesitated to take in a dog, a cat, or a friend in need. We miss you today, tomorrow, and forever but don't worry about the cats - they are already with Heidi! In honor of Laurie's memory, contributions can be made to the Chelsea Bailey Animal Shelter, 699 Centennial Ave, Butte, MT, 59701 -- a cause that was close to her heart.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Montana Standard on Jan. 20, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Laurie Johnston

14 Entries

DORAN CEROVSKI

February 5, 2024

Laurie and my ex-wife were best friends since the 80s ,she was bridesmaid at our wedding. She was always so fun to be around. We went to Vegas to visit her and she showed us the town. One time she came to Billings to visit us in the summer and she brought a couple of her special need students with her that came from poor family's that could not afford trips, she treated them like her own children . I remember taking them to the Billings Fair. Rest in peace.

Kelly Rose

January 21, 2024

So sorry to hear of Laurie's passing. I worked with her at East Middle School in Butte. She was always so kind to everyone. Her students were always so special to her. My condolences go out to her family.

Shari Curtis

January 21, 2024

Ms Johnston was my son's teacher at East Middle School. She was so kind and supportive to my autistic kid. I really loved her for that. Shari Curtis

Debbie Moder

January 20, 2024

I worked with Laurie at Myrtle Tate ES in Las Vegas NV. We were both special educators at the time and had many opportunities to work together. She was always a kind and caring individual who put her students and colleagues first. My heart aches for your loss. May many special memories help you through these trying days. God bless Laurie´s family and friends.

Tina Brunetti

January 20, 2024

I have fond memories of Laurie. We worked together as teachers in Las Vegas and kept in touch on Facebook. She was always so kind to me. I don´t think she knew how much I appreciated her words of praise and encouragement whenever things got tough. I pray that God will bring her family blessings and comfort during this difficult time. Rest in peace, my friend.

Lori Taylor-Dorscher

January 20, 2024

Sorry to hear of Laurie's passing. She was a sweet person. I met her when she started teaching here in Butte for the early Headstart. She would get down on the floor and work with kids even though she had trouble getting back up. I admired her strength and told her so. She just keep going no matter what. Fly high Laurie and be at Peace.

Tylene

January 20, 2024

I knew Laurie when she was living in Billings. We reconnected over Facebook. She was always kind and considerate of others. She had a ready smile and a lot of determination. I am so sorry for your loss.

Cheryl Fitzpatrick

January 20, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear of Laurie's passing. I worked with her at headstart and she was a wonderful teacher. I'll never forget that she remembered myself and my family when my mom passed she sent a beautiful plant in her memory. I'm so glad that I worked with her. RIP Laurie

Schwarz Family (Simon, Josh, and Bobbi)

January 20, 2024

Ms J, as she was so lovingly referred to in our home was our little boy´s very first teacher. She swept him up with love and from day 1, they seemed to be kindred spirits. He would sing "Wonderful World" and I think that became "his song" to Ms J. We hope her memory may be a blessing to you all. It will always be in our hearts because of how much she touched our son´s and our hearts. We love you Ms J!!

Anne Fuehrer

January 20, 2024

Laurie is such a kind and giving person. She did a ton of research locating classmates for our HS reunion. I will miss you, Laurie.

Dr. David J. Summerville

January 20, 2024

Laurie was not just a great teacher, but she was a wonderful and very kindhearted person who had a passion for teaching. She worked well with others, and she shared her knowledge and experience to help them achieve success in helping students. She with be greatly missed.

Rhonda

January 20, 2024

Laurie's kind soul & big heart will truly be missed by all of her friends from Huron High School!
-Rhonda Anderson and the Class of 1979.

Lisa Wicks

January 20, 2024

Laurie is (no last tense) one of the kindest sweetest people I have ever known. We were in HS together in Huron, SD. She always made me, and I´m sure everyone agrees, like I was important and mattered to her. Bless her sweet soul infinity to infinity.

Kathleen Foley

January 20, 2024

I worked with Laurie at East Middle School in Butte. Her classroom was amazing... just filled with many instructional kits and activities to assist her special education students. Laurie was very kind and friendly and made friends easily. I enjoyed stopping in her classroom to visit and sure missed her when she retired. My condolences to her loving family.

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