Clara B. Kelton Johnston

Clara (Belle) Kelton Johnston, 88, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, gently entered her eternal rest in Sage Crest Alzheimer’s Care Center, Baptist Memorial Hospital Center on Monday, February 27, 2012. Clara was born July 3, 1923 in Andrews County, TX, on the Scharbauer Cattle Company Five Wells Ranch, to Bill and Mattie Kelton, the last of their six children, and 16 years younger than her nearest sibling. Her early life was spent on farms and ranches north of Midland, TX before air conditioning and refrigerators. While working in Midland in 1947, Clara met William B. Johnston at the First Baptist Church. They married in Midland in November, 1947, and enjoyed more than 64 years together. For many years they lived in a home built on land north of Midland, acquired by her father Bill Kelton when he was ranching. Clara was a devoted mother to daughters Pat and Jan, a wonderful seamstress, cook, gardener, bird lover, and housewife. She cared for her daughter at home during Pat’s long illness, Pat died in 1973. Clara is survived by her husband, William B. Johnston; daughter, Jan Yost and husband, Dr. James Yost of San Angelo; grandson, Joshua Yost and wife, Allison Yost; great-grandson, Calvin Yost of Austin; granddaughter, Julie Yost of Savannah, GA; and numerous nieces and nephews.The family wishes to thank Dr. Robert Morton and his staff, Comfort Keepers, Sage Crest nurses and staff, and Baptist Hospice for their care and kindness. A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 2, 2012 at 11:30AM at the First Baptist Church of Midland, TX with Reverend Bob Hopkins officiating. The memorial service will be preceded by a family graveside service at Fairview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or The American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.