Letitia B. Johnston

JOHNSTON, Letitia (“Tee”) Burke, age 86, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2014 in her home in Centerville, Ohio. Tee was born on October 21, 1927 in Sidney, Ohio and was the only child of Raymond Burke and Agnes Bailey Burke. She attended Sidney High School, where she met the love of her life and best friend, Wilbur ("Wil") Earl Johnston. Following graduation from high school in 1945, Tee attended the University of Michigan for two years and became a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. On September 13, 1947 she married Wil and started what would prove to be a joyful 67 year marriage. They made their first home in Columbus, Ohio, where Tee worked at the OSU Office of Admissions while Wil completed the OSU dentistry program. In the early 1950's they moved to Kettering, Ohio and together started Wil's dentistry practice which continued for over thirty years. They are members of Kettering's Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, where they have worshiped and shared faith and friendships for more than 60 years. Tee and Wil had three sons, Steve, Paul and Mark Johnston, and two daughters, Barbara Bartel and Ann Johnston. Tee is preceded in death by all three sons. She is survived by her husband, two daughters, her sons-in-law Dale Bartel and Ray Taketa, six grandchildren - Victoria Johnston, Joe Valentine (and his wife Sarah), Brooke Cole (and her husband Matt), Josh Valentine (and his wife Marie), Sarah Taketa and Samantha Taketa; by nine great grandchildren: Eric, Tawny, Bailee, Ava, Colin, Wil, Max, Greyson and Jackson; by three nephews and by many wonderful great nieces and great nephews. In addition to being a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Tee was an avid volunteer and a devoted friend to all she met. Her friendships spanned many decades and great distances. Tee never missed an opportunity to give love or to show kindness, and had an amazing talent for making everyone feel welcome, valued and loved. She was able to spend the last few months of her life in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by loving family and friends. Tee will be missed by her family, friends and all who had the pleasure to know her. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, September 6, at 10:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 901 E. Stroop Rd, Kettering, with a reception for family and friends to follow at the church. Those wishing to do so are asked to make a donation to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or to the Hospice of Dayton Foundation, 324 Wilmington Ave, Dayton 45420-1890.