Lawrence Robert Johnston

Lawrence R. Johnston, 87, Yakima, died Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at Cottage in the Meadow.

Lawrence was born in Yakima, Washington on August 25, 1925 to Oscar Johnston and Alice (Riewald) Johnston. At an early he lived on a farm in Alfalfa and attended school in Granger, Washington for two years. His family then moved to Moxee, WA where he graduated from Moxee High School in 1944. His family then moved to Wenas and farmed until 1950 when Lawrence and his dad Oscar bought farms in Sunnyside, Washington. He married Geraldine Presley in Yakima October 28, 1950 and together they made their home in Sunnyside and raised four daughters. After selling the farm in 1992 Lawrence and Jeri moved to Yakima.

Lawrence especially enjoyed his cabin and Rimrock where many good times were had fishing. He was very proud of the crops he raised on his farm in Sunnyside.

He is survived by his wife, Geraldine “Jeri” Johnston of Yakima; four daughters, Linda Kay Johnston (Jim Fontana) of Renton, Cheryl Ann Startup (Dave) and Janet Lynn Hutchinson (Ron) of Sunnyside and Debra Jean Wurz (Bruce Phillippi) of Pasco; seven grandchildren; Shane Heberlein (Jen), Misti Widerspohn (Aaron), Chad Hutchinson (Anna), Seth Startup (chelsey), Amanda Startup, Lindsey Virdell (Jarrod) and Jennifer LeBaron (Dan) and three great grandchildren, Addison Hutchinson, Remington Hutchinson and Brody Virdell.

Viewing will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Sunday, May 19, 2013 at the Keith & Keith Ninth Avenue Chapel. Funeral services will be held at Rainier Memorial Center, 2807 Terrace Heights Rd. Yakima on Monday, May 20, 2013 at 12:00 p.m. Concluding services and burial will follow at Terrace Heights Memorial Park. Keith & Keith Funeral Home are entrusted with arrangements. To celebrate the life of Lawrence and share a memory visit www.keithandkeith.com.