Harriett May Johnston

Harriett May Johnston died September 16, 2022, in Kalamazoo, MI at the age of 101. She was born August 5, 1921, in Battle Creek, MI, the daughter of the late Ford H. and Elva A. (Waterbury) Matteson. She graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1940. She was employed at Gibson Guitar Company for over 30 years before her retirement in 1982.

She and her husband of 75 years traveled extensively in their retirement years. Harriett was a talented knitter, enjoyed quilting and was an avid reader. She was a member of Sunnyside United Methodist Church and participated in the UMW there. She loved spending time with her family and looked forward to hosting holiday celebrations at her home. Harriett was delighted to have so many friends and family members at her 100th birthday celebration in 2021. On March 31, 1942, Harriett married her high school sweetheart, Walter W. Johnston, Jr., who preceded her in death on July 22, 2017. She was also preceded in death by a son, Walter W. Johnston III; a daughter-in-law, Louella (Kastead) Johnston; brothers, Earl H. Matteson, and Arthur L. Matteson. Harriett is survived by her brother, Ford Matteson, Jr.; her children, Barbara J. (Larry) Hofmockel and Gregory A. Johnston; grandchildren, Amy (Jeff) Mantia, Andy (Angie) Johnston, Katy (Eric) McGinnis, Christine (Cole) Maier, Matthew (Lacey) Hofmockel, and nine great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held 2pm, Saturday, November 26, 2022, at Parchment United Methodist Church, 225 Glendale Blvd., Parchment MI 49004. Harriett’s family will receive guests at the church beginning at 1pm and again during a time of light refreshments following the service. Memorial contributions may be sent to Sunnyside United Methodist Church or Centrica Care Navigators. Private inurnment will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 622 S. Burdick St, Kalamazoo MI 49007. To view Harriett’s personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com