Kathleen LaRaine Sanford Johnston, 73, passed away surrounded by her family on Friday, April 17, 2026, at High Point Medical Center.
Kathleen was born July 24, 1952, in Port Huron, Michigan, to the late Thomas Sidney Sanford and Dorothy Harris Sanford. She is survived by her husband of 49 and a half years, David Peter Johnston; sons, Brian David Johnston (Karen), Michael Johnston (Erika), Stephen Unser (April), Timothy Johnston (Kate), Daniel Johnston (Caylin); daughters, Katie Johnston (fiancé, Nick Greenway), and Sherilyn Barilani; sister, Sharon Sanford; and fourteen grandchildren. She loved her family.
Kathleen met her husband, David, at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. Kathleen and David were married on June 12, 1976, and spent time in nature, as David was a Natural Resource major. They loved the outdoors, whether it be camping, hiking, or spending time at lakes for swimming and picnicking. Kathleen was a huge source of encouragement for David in his career in woodworking. Kathleen was a Family and Consumer Science teacher.
Kathleen enjoyed sewing, scrapbooking, gardening, and homeschooling her seven children. Kathleen was involved in taking her children to swim practice in Blair, La Crosse or Eau Claire and to swim meets from all around Wisconsin, as well as meets in Kansas, North Dakota, Minnesota, Illinois, Georgia, and Florida. When Kathleen, David, and Katie moved to North Carolina in 2014, Kathleen started her own business, Pineapple Pin Cushion, designing quilts and quilting them on her long-arm sewing machine.
Kathleen enjoyed spending time with her fourteen grandchildren and spending time in the mountains of North Carolina. Kathleen enjoyed hosting family for holiday home-cooked meals. Kathleen enjoyed making special items for her children and grandchildren. Kathleen was a born-again believer who enjoyed sharing the Word of God with everyone. Kathleen taught Bible studies to church members, her children, grandchildren, and friends. Kathleen has had many health challenges the past five years, and David has been her diligent caretaker.
Kathleen was looking forward to celebrating her 50th wedding anniversary with David on June 12, 2026, but the Lord had other plans for her.
The family will have a private celebration of Kathleen's life at a later date in Wisconsin.
Original obituary at Cumby Funeral Home