Mary L. Johnston, Shenango Presbyterian Senior Care, New Wilmington, formerly of West Middlesex, died at 9:10 p.m. Sunday (8-24-08) in the nursing home. She was 87.

Mrs. Johnston was born in Pulaski, Lawrence County, to Charles Jordan and Alta Sarah Biddle Gearhart.

She was the secretary for West Middlesex Presbyterian Church for 27 years, retiring in 1991.

She taught Mizpah Sunday school class and was formerly clerk of sessions.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, friends and relations.

Her husband, Bert Edward Johnston, whom she married in October 1966, died Dec. 25, 1975.

Her first husband, James Burton Hill, whom she married Aug. 20, 1942, died in March 1963.

Surviving are: a daughter, Mary Jane Anthony and her husband Robert L., West Middlesex; a son, William R. Hill and his wife Karen, Grosse Ile, Mich.; a sister, Jane Pierre, West Middlesex; a sister-in-law, Helen Hill, Franklin; a brother,Arthur Gearhart and his wife, Louise, Pulaski; four grandchildren, Zachary Hill and his wife Youngsoo; Thaddeus Hill; Sarah Anthony and her fiance John Trafan; and Seth Anthony and his wife, Alyssa; a great-grandson, Ian Zachary Hill; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews and cousins.

Besides her husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Ruth Ann Gearhart and Sara Martin; and a brother, Raymond Gearhart.

Memorial contributions may be made to the memorial fund of West Middlesex Presbyterian Church, 3082 Main St., West Middlesex 16159; or Shenango Presbyterian Senior Care, 238 S. Market St., New Wilmington 16142.

JOHNSTON

Mrs. Bert Edward, 87, New Wilmington, formerly of West Middlesex.

Calling hours: 4 to 8 p.m. today (8-26-08) in SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 3126 Main St., West Middlesex, and 10 a.m. to time of service Wednesday (8-27-08) in West Middlesex Presbyterian Church.

Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the church with the Revs. Robert McCreight, interim pastor; and John Hicks, former pastor, officiating.

Interment: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.