Rhea King Johnston

Rhea King Johnston 88. of Towanda, passed away peacefully in her home Tuesday morning March 5, 2024. Born January 5, 1936 as Rhea Jean King she was 13th of 15 children whose parents were John Devlin and Bessie Harbst King both of Towanda. She attended school in Towanda. In 1952 she married Elston Champluvier of Laceyville, Pa. She graduated in 1953 and gave birth to a son, Elston Paul Champluvier. The following year she had another son, Francis Lee Champluvier, who passed shortly after birth. Then in 1957 she had a daughter, Calista Rae Champluvier. She separated from Elston later that year and divorced in 1962. She married William Lane Johnston in October of 1962, and in gave birth to 2 daughters, Gladys Anne Johnston in 1963 and Heather Lynn Johnston in 1965. She was widowed in 1986 with the passing of W. Lane Johnston. She worked at Ryan's Restaurant in Towanda from 1957 to 1960, when she started as a switchboard operator for Commonwealth Telephone, leaving in 1990 after 30 years of service. She then became a caseworker for the Bradford County Assistance Office in 1991, where she worked until retirement. She was a faithful member of the United Presbyterian Church, where she was a Sunday School teacher, served as a Deacon, and was a member of the choir. Her faith gave her much peace throughout her life. She loved children and enjoyed helping out in the nursery. She also enjoyed music. Along with choir she was a member of the Holiday Melodies. She loved to sing and knew a song for every occasion. Ice cream was another favorite enjoyment. She had many fond memories of the ice cream shop her sister and mother managed, and of her father hiding ice cream in the mailbox for the kids to find. She was an active member of the community, belonging to many local clubs, starting in school with Girl Scouts and the Future Homemakers of America where she won first place for her apple pandowdy. She also belonged to the former Quarry Glen Club, the Towanda Gun club, the American Legion, the Bradford County Historical Society, and others including the garden club which was one of her favorite activities. She cared a lot about the area and the people, and will be greatly missed. Especially for her volunteer work including: working the the election board, soliciting for the heart fund and unicef, the gift shop at the hospital, and more. She was very proud of donating over a gallon of blood to the red cross throughout her life. She is survived by her sister Dixie Cabucci of Towanda, 3 daughters; Calista Rae Champluvier of Dallas Pa, Gladys Anne Johnston of Towanda, and Heather Lynn Johnston of Montrose , 10 grand children; Matthew Davidson, Nicholas Davidson, Kerstian Blaisure Campbell, Alexis Kinney, Christopher Gruver, Lauren Gruver, Jesse Gruver, Chenay Champluvier, 1 Melinda Champluvier, and Breanna Champluvier, one great-grandson Elliott Campbell, and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband W. Lane Johnston, her parents John and Bessie King, in-laws G. Gwin and Cornelius Johnston, 8 brothers; D. Gabriel King, Edwin King, J. Ray King, A. Benjamin King, Monte King, W. T. (Bud) King, Tom King, and George King, 5 sisters; Lydia King Leonard, Marge King Mansfield, Mary King Johnson, Frances (Pete) and Velma King. Two Sons Francis Lee and Paul Champluvier. One great granddaughter Meikah Gruver. Rhea's wishes were for no services. There will be an open house announced in the near future for anyone who would like to come. The family requests that memorials may be directed to the charity of one's choice in Rhea Johnston's memory. Memories and condolences may be expressed by visiting www.bowenfuneralhomes.com.

Rhea King Johnston

January 5, 1936 - March 5, 2024

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Rhea King Johnston

January 5, 1936 - March 5, 2024

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information