Iva Louise Johnston

Iva Louise Johnston passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 89 on July 2nd 2026. She was just shy of her 90th birthday on July 7th. She is survived by her two sons John (Kathy) of York, SC and Jeff of Palm Bay FL. Also survived by three granddaughters Sydney, Charlie and Sonnie.

She was born on a farm in New Lexington, Pennsylvania where her parents raised crops, horses, turkeys and cows. She attended a one room school house about a mile from her home and enjoyed school, rarely missing a day even skipping a grade due to her academic prowess. Attending high school in an adjacent town she was on the dance club and ushers club and while being terrified of algebra, loved biology. During high school she also worked as a waitress in a diner, often long hours, acquiring money and responsibility in the process. After working several other odd jobs, she landed a position at the state hospital as a book keeper, eventually being promoted to secretary to the acting superintendent.

A close friend and co-worker’s brother introduced her Raymond Johnston who would become her husband and forever love. After two years of dating, she asked him if they were going to get married and on 1958, they were married. In 1960 after living together for a year and a half she gave birth to her first son, John. Six years later she had a second son, Jeff, in 1966. After living in Pennsylvania her entire life, in 1980 she and Raymond retired to Melbourne, Florida. They were happily married for 42 years when he passed away in 2001.

In lieu of flowers Iva requested donation be made to The Shriners Hospitals for Children 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa FL 33607

A Graveside Service will be held at SCI Funeral Services of FL DBA/Florida Memorial Gardens #0655, 5950 S US Highway 1, Rockledge, FL 32955, US, on July 6, 2026, at 1:30 pm.