Kimberly “YaYa” Johnston

Kimberly "YaYa" Johnston

Kimberly “YaYa” Johnston

Kimberly “YaYa” Johnston
August 1, 1960 – January 27, 2015
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 54

Kimberly “YaYa” Johnston, 54, of Oskaloosa, died Tuesday, January 27, 2015, at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House in Pella. She was born August 1, 1960, in Oskaloosa; the daughter of Kenneth Lee and Phyllis K. Lanphier Van Der Veer.

Kim graduated from Oskaloosa High School with the class of 1978. On May 26, 1978, she was united in marriage to Dennis “Denny” Johnston at the Bethel Baptist Church in Oskaloosa.

Early on, Kim worked at the old Continental Overall Factory in Pella. She then did daycare in her home for many years. Last, she worked at Sodexo Food Service at William Penn, leaving in 2004 in order to fight cancer and cherish her time with her family.

Although Kim worked different places and had different titles throughout life, her favorite title was “YaYa”. She truly loved being a wife, mom and YaYa to her family.

Kim looked forward to attending the Iowa State Fair every year. The fair had a special place in her heart because she and Denny went there on their first date.

She was not just involved in her family activities, she learned about the activities that they were participating in, and enjoyed attending everyone’s ball games, races, and dance recitals.

When Kim was home, the police scanner was always on, so she could make sure Ben and his fellow officers were safe.

For the last 10 years, Kim courageously fought cancer and her strength and tenacity allowed her to be present for her children’s weddings, meet and enjoy her grandchildren, and make many special memories with her family and friends. Throughout her battle, she was always thinking of others and putting their needs first. Her hope was that she would inspire and give others hope who were facing similar challenges.

Her family includes her husband of over 36 years, Dennis “Denny” Johnston of Oskaloosa; three children: Elisha (& Brian) Sterling, Stefanie (& Matt) Coenen and Benjamin (& Maggie) Johnston ~ all of Oskaloosa; five grandchildren: Austen, Maddison, and Brooklynn Coenen and Libbie and Lucas Johnston; two brothers: Richard “Butch”(& Beverly) Van Der Veer of Oskaloosa and Thomas (& JoAnn) Van Der Veer of Beacon.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 30, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa.
Burial will be in the Bellefountaine Cemetery near Tracy. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will begin Thursday morning after 11 a.m. and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5:30 – 8:30 Thursday evening to greet friends and relatives.
Memorials may be made to the Johnston family.

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