Norma Ruth (Burton) Johnston

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 7:00 P.M. on Friday, October 17th at the Ina Free Will Baptist Church in Ina with Bro. Brad Ryan & Bro. Jason Janus officiating. Burial will be in the Kirk Cemetery in Ina. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 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

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.