Joyce P. Johnston, age 96, a resident of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Indian Hills, Chillicothe, Missouri. Joyce was born the daughter of George and Alma (Hockenson) Bilquist on February 12, 1930, in Atherton, Missouri. She was united in marriage to Billy H. Johnston on May 15, 1948, in Independence, Missouri. He preceded her in death on October 10, 1993.
Joyce devoted her life to her family and to preserving the traditions and values that were important to her. She and her husband, Bill, shared a love of travel and spent many years road-tripping across the country in search of antiques. Together, they built an impressive collection, with Joyce especially enjoying antique artwork, furniture, and dishes. She had a keen eye for beauty and craftsmanship and took great pride in the treasures she discovered over the years. Joyce was also dedicated to the success of Johnston Rental Center in Chillicothe, Missouri. She worked alongside her son, Billy, for many years as the company’s bookkeeper. Maintaining the family business was important to her, and she took great pride in helping ensure its continued success for future generations.
Perhaps Joyce’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted grandmother who rarely missed an opportunity to support her grandchildren. One of her greatest loves was cheering on her granddaughter, Marshelle, through countless dance recitals, competitions, and performances beginning when she was just three years old and continuing through her high school graduation. Whether it was a recital, competition, graduation, or milestone accomplishment, Joyce was always there with encouragement and pride. She took immense joy in celebrating the achievements of her grandchildren and treasured the special memories they shared together.
She is survived by her son, Billy Johnston of Chillicothe, Missouri; two grandchildren, Marshelle Johnston and Brian Johnston, both of Denver, Colorado; and many nieces and nephews. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; and her siblings, Wesley Bilquist, Daniel Bilquist, Judith Winfrey, Percy Bilquist, Maude Kendrick, Dorothy Sevy, Ruth Hontz, and George Bilquist.
Funeral services will be held at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. A visitation will be held at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m. Friends may sign the register book at Lindley Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 12:00 noon until 4:30 p.m. Burial will be held at Edgewood Cemetery, Chillicothe, Missouri. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
