Rita A. Johnston

Rita Anna Johnston, age 92, passed away Friday, March 7, 2014 at her home in Center Line. She was born December 2, 1921 to the late Jacob Burg and the late Elizabeth (nee:Berger) Burg.She had 3 siblings. An older brother Clem and twin brothers named Jake and Jim. They were the youngest of the family and Rita spent many an hour helping her Mom with them.She was married on October 25, 1940 to Edwin (Pete) Miller and had three children,...Bob, the oldest, then came Betty, and finally Ed who's considered to this day as the baby of the family.On May 18th 1950, tragedy struck as her husband Ed Miller passed away at Detroit Receiving hospital leaving her a young widow at 28 years old. She had to take on the job of sole parent to 3 children (Bob 8, Betty 6, and Ed the youngest at 1 yr old.)Rita was a widow for 3 years before she met Russ Johnston at a benefit dance in Warren. They dated for another year and were married August 28th 1954. Russ had one child, Lynn from a previous marriage and the family grew to four kids.Russ and Rita celebrated both a 25th and 50th anniversary together, and would have celebrated 60 years this coming August. They accomplished a feat that many of us hope to accomplish being married to one person.Rita retired from the Centerline Public Schools in 1983 where she was a head cook for Peck Elementary School for 29 years. She was an excellent cook and not only did her family benefit from this but many students throughout the years as well. "We all remember her homemade pizza and the many meals that she made with much love. Our favorite was her pies, which no one can make nearly as good."Rita enjoyed dancing, bingo and knitting. She also loved fishing with family members and visiting casinos on many camping trips up North. She was loved by many and will be sadly missed.She was the beloved wife of Russell Johnston, and the late Edwin Miller. Dear mother of Robert (Sue) Miller, Elizabeth (the late Nick) Schnur, Edwin (Rose) Miller, and Lynn Willis. Loving grandmother of 31 and great-grandmother of 43 including the late Chad Bradbury. Daughter of the late Jacob Burg and the late Elizabeth (the late Arthur) Burg. Sister of the late Clement, Jacob, and James Burg. Visitation for Rita will be held on Monday. March 10th from 3-9pm, with a Scripture Service at 6:30pm, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 Mile) in Warren. Mrs. Johnston will lie in state on Tuesday from 9:30 am at St. Mary Our Lady Queen of Families Catholic Church – St. Clement Campus in Center Line until the time of her Funeral Mass at 10am. Donations may be made to Season's Hospice or to the charity of your choice. Please share memories at her guest book.