Helen Elizabeth (Nutter) Johnston

Helen Elizabeth Johnston, age 84, passed away at home in Reynoldsburg, OH on Feb. 21, 2023.  She was born on April 25, 1938 in Logan, OH, the daughter of Inez and J. William Nutter.  Helen graduated from Lancaster High School in 1956 and on September 6, 1958 married the love of her life, Jesse Carl Johnston, Jr. (1934-1997). She also attended Accounting classes at Ohio University in Lancaster, drawing classes at Capital University, and stained glass making classes at Franklin University.  She was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lancaster where she taught Sunday school, was the Superintendent of Sunday School, and served on the Altar Guild. She was also a Brownie and Girl Scouts Leader and happily volunteered at Bloom Carroll Schools when her daughter was young. Helen worked for many years at Anchor Hocking in the traffic department office in Lancaster and then as bookkeeper and office manager for G & W Construction Co. in Etna, OH. She enjoyed painting, drawing, sewing, embroidery, cross-stich, applique work, quilts, and miniature quilts and produced many beautiful hand-stitched works of art. She had an exhibit of old-world St. Nick’s at the Lancaster Public Library. She was too modest to consider herself an artist, but that’s what she was. Some of her art will be on display at the funeral home. Helen was also a wonderful homemaker and enjoyed cooking and baking for her family. She was a lovely, classy lady and always had a smile for everyone.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Susan Elaine Johnston; brother, James (Norma) Nutter; brother-in-law, Wayne Johnston; sister-in-law, Becky Johnston; nieces, Zondra Kay (Robert) Ball, Shirley (Carmel) Marsh, Carol Grasselli, Donald (Marianne) Greene, James Greene, Brenda (Rod) Henwood, and nephews, Roger (Peggy) Nutter, Randy Johnston, and Blaine (Sandra) Miskell.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Jesse Carl Johnston, Jr.; parents, Inez and J. William Nutter; parental-in-laws, Jesse C. and Jennie Johnston, Sr.; brothers, Robert (Clara) Nutter, Ben (Esther) Nutter, Kenneth Nutter; sisters, Ruth (George) Huston and Beatrice Nutter; brother-in-law, Jerry Johnston; sisters-in-law, Anna Mae Eberly and Marjorie Miskell.

A funeral service with be held on Tuesday at 10:30AM at the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home, 405 N. Columbus St., Lancaster, OH 43130.  Burial will follow the service at Fairview Cemetery in Hocking County. Calling hours will be held funeral home on Monday from 4 untl 7PM.

Helen loved flowers and they are welcome, but contributions may also be made in her memory to The Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences can be made at www.funeralhome.com