BARBARA J. JOHNSTON, age 87, of the Bowersville/Jamestown area passed away peacefully December 3, 2022 at Greene Memorial Hospital in Xenia, Ohio. She was a resident of Shawnee Estates Assisted Living Community for the past several years.

Barbara was born April 15, 1935 to the late Everett and C. Eleanora Haines.

Barbara worked for a short time in the Greene County Clerk of Courts office before dedicating her time to family and special interests.

Barbara was a member of the Bowersville United Methodist Church until they closed and then Faith Community United Methodist Church in Xenia.

In addition to her church and her faith, Barbara was actively involved in Greene County 4-H for over 44 years. She was a 4-H advisor; held all offices on County 4-H Committee; served on Family and Consumer Sciences Committee; received the "Friends of 4-H Award"; and in 1991 was inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame.

Barbara was a longtime member of the Greene County Homemakers in Community Education Home Council serving in all executive capacities. She served at the local, state, and national level. Barbara was awarded the Ohio Homemaker Family of the Year in 2005 and the Ohio Homemaker of the Year in 2007.

In addition, Barbara was very active in the State and County Farm Bureau organization. She was very proud to have been elected as the first woman president of the Greene County Farm Bureau.

Barbara was inducted in to the Greene County Woman's Hall of Fame in 2012 for her dedication as a volunteer in 4-H and the Greene County Homemakers' Council.

Barbara and her husband Max received a proclamation from state legislators in 1981 for their continuing support of family and community.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her loving husband of 40 years, Max Johnston; and siblings, William E. Haines and Joyce A. Swearingen.

Barbara is survived by her children, Mark Johnston of Chapman, Kansas, Cynthia (Curtis) Brown of Waynesville, and Darrin (Rhonda) Johnston of Jamestown; grandchildren, Nicole(Loren) Root, Amanda (Sean) Hackett, Heather Johnston, and Kyla Johnston; great-grandchildren, Kaden and Hailee Root, Korbin, Adeline and Maximus Hackett; brother-in-law, Wayne Swearingen; sister-in-law, Judith Haines; nieces and nephews, Kelli Swearingen, Billy (Tanya) Haines, Bobby (Shannon) Haines, and Alison (Dave) Howe.

Visitation will be Thursday December 8, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at McColaugh Funeral Home at 826 N. Detroit Street, Xenia. Funeral will be Friday December 9, 2022 at 11:30 AM at McColaugh Funeral Home and graveside service at Woodlawn Cemetery in Bowersville.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ohio 4-H Foundation by mail to: The Ohio State University Foundation, PO Box 710811, Columbus, Ohio 43271; include gift fund # 605354 in the memo line. Gifts can also be made online at https://www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/605354 ? Source code=AGFAES-EVT-S-ON-4HCoYAuction&fund=605354.