INA – Norma Ruth Johnston, 92, of Ina passed away on Thursday morning, October 9, 2025, at her home.

She was born in Mt. Vernon, IL, on April 4, 1933, the daughter of Blake Elijah & Ama Ruth (Hale) Burton. She married Billy Lee Johnston on June 16, 1951, in Whittington, IL, and he preceded her in death on February 24, 2011.

She was a member of the Ina Free Will Baptist Church where she played the piano for several years. She grew up in Whittington and helped her parents work in the Burton’s Cafe. Later she worked at S & W Motors in Mt. Vernon, before assisting her husband at Johnston Funeral Home. Norma and Bill enjoyed getting away for a day with friends looking for antiques and going out to eat.

Mrs. Johnston is survived by her:

Son: Bruce Johnston & wife Shirley of Ina
Grandson: Brad Johnston & wife Latisha of Ina
Granddaughter: Kelly Downes & husband Andy of Woodlawn
Great-Grandchildren: Alli Jo Downes & Tucker James Downes
Step-Great-Grandchildren: Philip Riley & wife Chelsey, Sean Riley, Mikey Harper & Paupiann Harper
1 Great-Great-Grandson: Drew Riley
Sister-in-law: Deanna Johnston of Whittington
Nephew: Jeff Johnston & wife Jan of Whittington
Great Nephew: Jared Johnston & wife Makennah and their children Jovi & Jubilee of Benton
Great Niece: Jenna Schimpf & husband John of St. Louis, MO

She is also survived by several cousins, dear friends, and her church family.

Mrs. Johnston was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother-in-law, Bobby Lynn Johnston.

Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, October 17, at the Ina Free Will Baptist Church in Ina with Bro. Brad Ryan officiating. Burial will be in the Kirk Cemetery in Ina. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday at the church.

For those who wish, Memorials may be made to Kirk Cemetery or Shiloh Cemetery.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.johnstonfuneralhome.com.