Polly Johnston, 59, of Centralia, passed away Sunday, December 17, 2023, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on April 5, 1964, the daughter of Robert Sr. and Venita (Hobbs) Johnston in Centralia. After meeting Kathleen Wildhaber, the love of her life and soulmate in 1997, they married on January 31, 2017, in Carlyle and she survives in Centralia.
Along with her beloved wife, Kathleen Wildhaber, survivors that will hold dear memories of Polly close to their hearts include her beloved family, her brothers, Terry R. (Mystee) Johnston of Central City, and John J. (Tonya) Johnston of Central City; her sister-in-law, Ruth Johnston of Sandoval; several nieces and nephews; her mother-in-law and father-in-law Mary Lou and Paul Sutphin; brother-in-law Keith (Victoria) Wildhaber; and her precious Gigi.
Polly was preceded in death by her parents; her sister Suzie Keller, and her brother, Robert E. Johnston, Jr. and Mike Johnston.
Polly was a lovely lady who brought encouragement and life to everyone she met. She was amazing on the basketball court and quite a celebrity for Sandoval High School. Polly was the first girl to run on the boy’s cross country team and she was awarded MVP of the Sandoval girl’s basketball team, their first year. She continued to be athletic in adulthood, working hard to earn her black belt in karate, and sharing her love of playing softball. Polly was a huge Pittsburgh Steelers and St. Louis Cardinals fan who always tried to catch every game. She enjoyed the freedom of being out on the open road while motorcycle riding, and she could be counted on to light up the sky while shooting off fireworks on the Fourth of July. Polly had a special way with animals and was famous for spoiling her fur baby, Gigi with love and treats, as well as many others who met her at the Rainbow Bridge. Never one to let grass grow under her feet, it was rare to catch Polly sitting still. Polly was a wonderful, beautiful, talented, and faithful lady who made an impact on so many people’s lives and will carry on her memory for always.
A celebration of life services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday, December 22, 2023, at the Irvin Macz Funeral in Centralia. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time with Polly’s family from 6:00 p.m. until the time of the services on Friday, to offer words of comfort at the funeral home in Centralia. Memorials may be made in Polly’s honor to SSM Health Hospice or the charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences and memories of Polly may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or the funeral home’s Facebook page.
