Patsy "Pat" Johnston, fondly known as "PJ" to family, 82, passed away June 10, 2013, in Lincoln, where she had been residing since 2008.
Patsy Jean Simonson was born on Oct. 9, 1930, in Mullen. Her parents were Carl Severin Simonson and June Kemp Simonson, both now deceased. She had two brothers, Carl and Ken; and eight sisters, Doris, Beth, Carol, Shirley, Jane, Harriett, Audrey and Gwen, who died at age 4.
Patsy attended grade school in Mullen and country schools north of Mullen, graduating from Mullen High School in 1948. She attended Chadron College for two summer sessions in 1948-49. She taught school for a short time in 1949.
Patsy Simonson married Leland Johnston on Oct. 1, 1949, in Valentine.
Although Pat's main occupation throughout her adult life was as a wife and mother, she was well known throughout the Nebraska Sandhills for her skill as an artist. She not only exhibited statewide and won many awards, she was also one of the founding members of the Thedford Art Gallery in Thedford.
She was predeceased by her parents; sisters, Doris Spilker, Carol Taylor, Jane Hodges, Gwen Simonson and Audrey McPeak; brother, Ken Simonson; and son-in-law, Thomas Neill.
She is survived by her husband, Leland; her children, Douglas Lee, of Honolulu and Lincoln, Steven Lynn (Sharon), of Albuquerque N.M., Jerri Ann (Brian) Thompson, of Omaha, Kelly S. Neill, of Lincoln, and Lisa Kay (Brad) Franklin, of Kansas City; six grandchildren, Jordan (Elizabeth) Keys, of Albuquerque, N.M., Drew Jetter, of Albuquerque, N.M., and Rachel, David, Hannah and Elisabeth Franklin of Kansas City; one great-granddaughter, Bailey; three sisters, Beth (Frank) Harding, Shirley Nutter and Harriett (Kenneth) Phipps; and one brother, Carl (Peggy); and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 19, at the United Church of Christ in Thedford.
Lincoln Family Funeral Care in Lincoln is in charge of arrangements. .

Published in North Platte Telegraph from June 13 to June 14, 2013