Phyllis A. Strawn Johnston, 72, Yates Center, died Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009 at St. Francis Hospital, Topeka.

She was born Nov. 25, 1936 on the Ferree family farm in southeast Woodson County to Kenneth and Mabel Black Ferree.

She grew up in Woodson County and graduated from Yates Center High School in 1954. She attended Bethany College of Nursing. After working as a medical assistant, she was employed at the Woodson County Extension office for 17 years until retirement. She was a member of New York Valley Church.

She married James D. Strawn Sept. 25, 1955 at Yates Center. He preceded her in death July 24, 2001. On April 12, 2003 she married Gene Johnston. He survives.

Also surviving are a son, Steve Strawn, Tulsa, Okla.; a daughter, Sharon Slater, Yates Center; a sister, Bobbie Adamson, Noel, Mo.; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by an infant son Matthew.

Funeral will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31 at New York Valley Church, Yates Center. Burial in Yates Center Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. this evening at Campbell Funeral Home. Memorials to New York Valley Church or Friends for Life may be left at the funeral home, P.O. Box 188, Yates Center, KS 66783.