Rita Johnston

Rita Jo Johnston, 65, of Sheboygan, passed away on November 3, 2015 surrounded by her loved ones at Memorial Hospital, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born, December 29, 1949 in Sheboygan, the daughter of Joseph F. and Caroline (Del Ponte) Johnston. Rita attended St. Dominic's elementary school, Sheboygan North High School Class of 1968, and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in fine arts from Minneapolis College of Art & Design in 1972, having a double major in sculpture and fashion design. Upon graduation from college she went to work at Three Sisters clothing stores traveling North America, specializing in design and fashion layouts. She also worked as a fashion model at this time. Rita lived in Minneapolis until 1981 then moved to Clearwater, FL. She returned to Sheboygan in 1996 and since that time has worked with her family at Johnston's Bakery. Rita is survived by her loving family, four sisters; Mary Ann Perl, Barbara (Patrick) Gahan, Judith Jarvis all of Sheboygan, and Joann (Chris) Youngbauer of Middleton, by three brothers; Michael (Joy) Johnston, Joseph Johnston, and John (Jackie) Johnston all of Sheboygan, and by her longtime companion Roman Brotz. She is further survived by five nephews, three nieces, seven great-nephews, and three great-nieces, along with many other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents. Rita loved art, and in addition to fashion design, her artistic endeavors included metal sculpture, painting and crafts. She also enjoyed long walks at Kohler- Andrae State Park. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2015 at 4:30 PM at Ballhorn Chapels Funeral & Cremation Care Center 1201 N. 8th St. Sheboygan, with Rev. Matthew Widder officiating. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Sunday, November 8, 2015 from 2:30 pm until the time of service. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been set up in Rita's name for the Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund. The Johnston family would like to thank the staff of the Vince Lombardi Aurora Cancer Services as well as the emergency room staff at Memorial Hospital.