Rose Mary Johnston

Rose Mary Johnston, of Manteno, Illinois, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025, surrounded by love. Rose was born on June 29, 1951, in Joliet, the daughter of George and Mary (Kinsella) Rademacher. Rose spent most of her life in Manteno, where she raised her family, tended her flower garden, and always had a Diet Mountain Dew within reach. Rose was known for her brand of humor, desire to help others, and a never-ending love of cats. She found joy in sewing, crocheting, bingo nights, and tending to her flowers—often beside her beloved twin sister & best friend, Rita. Rose had a story (or ten) for every occasion including her years worked at Manteno State Hospital and always knew how to make people laugh—sometimes when they least expected it. She is survived by her children, Joshua (née Johnston) Domston and his husband Travis; Jacob Johnston and his two daughters, Sophie and Charlotte; stepdaughter Lisa Fortin; and daughter Kathy Splear. She is also remembered by her twin sister, Rita (Max) Farthing, sister, Kathy (Al) Siegwart, brother, Rich Rademacher and a host of extended family and friends. Rose is preceded in death by her parents, Mary and George Rademacher, and her ex-husband, Steve Johnston. In her final years, Rose was supported at home, with care from her nephew, Mike Beutien. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and an impressive collection of yarn. Her memory will live on in the stories we tell, the quilts she stitched, and every can of Diet Mountain Dew opened in her honor. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Brown Jensen Funeral Home in Manteno, Illinois. Casual attire is suggested as we gather to honor and remember in comfort and community. Memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association; an organization committed to improving outcomes for those affected by lung cancer. Contributions can be made online at: action.lung.org