Russell Lyle Johnston

Russell Lyle Johnston, age 89 of Center Line, passed away Friday, November 7, 2014 at St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital, Macomb Center in Warren. He was born October 21, 1925 in Lakeview, Michigan, son of the late Lyle and the late Anna (nee: Moore) Johnston.A truly proud and hardworking man of German / English descent, Russ was born to Manly Lyle Johnston and Anna May Moore on October 21, 1925 in Lakeview, Michigan. Russ was one of five siblings. He had three sisters, Marge, Ila and Edna, and one brother, Larry. They were not a wealthy family, but always had food on the table and a roof over their head. After they moved from Lakeview to Roseville, Russ attended school from 1930 till 1941.Russ loved to bowl, hunt and fish,…and was also quite fond of spending numerous hours in his garage. Later in life, Russ became quite proficient at tending to his beautiful rose bushes and delicious raspberry patch.Russ was always proud of his first job, working as a pin setter at a local bowling alley, making as much as his father did working in a small manufacturing shop. Russ continued to work hard his whole life, sometimes working two jobs to support his family. He worked in a plating shop from 1947 until he went to work for Groves Manufacturing in 1958 where he worked as a die setter. He continued with them until November 5, 1973. It was at this time that Russ received a glowing letter stating he was a loyal, honest and hardworking employee. He was always punctual and never missed a day's work. They stated in his letter of recommendation that it was written with mixed emotion because they did not want to lose Russ. In 1974, Russ began working as a custodian with the Center Line public school system, where he remained until his retirement on May 21, 1991.Russ first met his wife, Rita at a benefit dinner dance which she attended with her cousins. Rita had been widowed for three years and was raising three children, Bob, Betty and Ed. Russ had a daughter, Lynn, from a previous marriage that he was raising as well. When he spotted Rita at the dance, he just knew that she was the one. After several rejections, she finally agreed to a date. They continued dating for the next year, and were married on August 28, 1954. Following their marriage, the Johnston family now became six in number and lived in a small house on Qualmann Street in Center Line, Michigan. Russ & Rita would have been married 60 years this past August.They moved to the current house on Central in 1967, staying in Center Line. Family functions grew into traditions. Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas gatherings, and the famous Easter Egg Hunts in the backyard. Russ always managed to find the best hiding places and was responsible for making sure that all the eggs made it back into the house. His family grew by leaps and bounds, outgrowing the size of their home. That started the next, new tradition of Christmas Lunch at Juliano's.As the children married, he became a loving Grandpa of 31 and Great-Grandpa of 43. No matter how many were in his presence, he always made each one feel special and loved.After Russ retired from the Center Line Schools, he looked forward to going to hunting camp each November at his cabin in Presque Isle, Wisconsin. He was the patriarch and enjoyed the time he spent with his younger brother, Larry; both his sons; several grandsons; as well as many friends. It actually became quite a special hunting camp,…where friendships and relationships were renewed and strengthened, and everyone shared in the stories and memories of hunting camp.As you all know, Russ was a man of few words. It wasn't truly realized just how few until his wife, Rita (Ma) passed away this March. She was the one who kept the conversations going,…all of the times!!!Russ was a great friend, Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa who will be missed dearly.He was the beloved husband of the late Rita (nee: Burg). Dear father of Lynn Willis, Robert (Sue) Miller, Elizabeth (the late Nick) Schnur, and Edwin (Rose) Miller. Proud grandfather of 31 and great-grandfather of 43. He is survived by his brother, Larry Johnston of Presque Isle, Wisconsin. Russell was preceded in death by sister's, Marge Bizovi, Ila Ellsworth, Edna Kunder, and also great-grandson, Chad Bradbury.Visitation for Russell will be held on Monday, November 10th from 3-9pm, with an evening Scripture Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren. He will lie in state on Tuesday from 9:30am until time of the Funeral Mass at 10:00am at St. Mary, Our Lady Queen of Families Catholic Church – St. Clement Campus in Center Line. Interment will follow at St. Clement Cemetery where he will join his beloved, Rita.Memorial donations are welcomed to the charity of your choice.Please share memories of Russell at his guest book.