Lydia Beth Johnston, 64, of Defiance, passed away with her family by her side on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.  
  
She was born on August 17, 1952 to Robert and Helen (Coffman) Jones in Des Moines, Iowa. On July 29, 1972 she married Harold Johnston and he survives.
  
During her 30 years of teaching Lydia taught for Holgate Local School, Fairview School, St. John Lutheran School and Northwest State Community College.  Lydia loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She also enjoyed knitting.  Lydia was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Defiance.  
  
Lydia is survived by her loving husband of 44 years Harold Johnston of Defiance, daughter, Cindy (Jason) Taggart, son Dan (Nicole) Johnston both of Cincinnati,  grandchildren Ethan and Eli Taggart, Taylor and Avery Johnston, brothers, Tim  Jones of AZ, and Tom (Tammy) Jones of Wilmington, Ohio and one sister, Mary Bracey of Cincinnati. 
  
She was preceded in death by her parents.
  
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance and one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at St. John Lutheran Church, with Pastors Donald Luhring and Matt Schiemann officiating.  Burial will follow at Rverview Memory Gardens, Defiance. 
     
Memorials may be made to the church.. 
Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.