Beth Johnston, 82, of Grinnell, died on July 18, 2021, at UnityPoint Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines. A celebration of life service has been scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 23rd, at the Grinnell Christian Church with Pastor Scott Surovec officiating. Bagpiper will be Jed Petersen. Burial will be in Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell. Visitation with the Johnston family present will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 Thursday evening, July 22nd, at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell. Memorial contributions may be designated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to Blank Children's Hospital – NICU. Memorials may be mailed in c/o of the Smith Funeral Home, P.O. Box 368, Grinnell, Iowa 50112. Memorials and condolences may be shared with Beth's family on the Smith Funeral Home website at www.smithfh.com. Beth was born on August 27, 1938, in Grinnell, the daughter of John "Milton" and Ruth Innis Burr. She was raised in Grinnell and graduated from Grinnell High School with the class of 1956. She then attended college in Marion, Indiana for a year before returning to Grinnell. On April 4, 1958, she was united in marriage with Edwin Eugene Johnston, in Grinnell. A union of 61 years! The couple resided in Grinnell all their married lives and they were blessed with three children, Cheryl, Cindy, and Michael. Beth was employed at Grinnell Mutual Re-Insurance Company for 26 years and then for several years she owned and operated Grinnell Graphics on the town square. She was also a para-educator in the Grinnell-Newburg School District. She was a member of the Grinnell Saddle Club and Hudson Car Club. She attended church at the Northside Evangelical Methodist Church and later at the Grinnell Christian Church. Beth was the matriarch of her family. Her faith unwavering. She never said no. She served her family and the Lord fiercely. She was always down for a game of Dominoes or cards with her grandkids and great grandkids. Beth captured many memories from behind the camera lens but more importantly she enjoyed making them. She never missed the opportunity to spend time with her family or to try something new. She was an adventurer who loved to travel and to share that love of travel with those closest to her. Beth was the devoted soulmate to Ed. They were a remarkable example of commitment, friendship, and love. She lived her life humbly and full of gratefulness. Her passion for her family was undeniable. Never afraid to set you straight and to put you in line, but always the first to be in your corner and to pray for you later. Beth and Ed were foster parents to many children over several years; they provided them with love and guidance. For over ten years, she operated a boxing club for youth in the community and touched many lives. Beth had a life well lived. Her presence will be felt for many years to come. Beth and Ed leave behind a legacy of family and faith. Beth is survived by her three children, Cheryl (Steve) Hanssen of Grinnell, Cindy Kidrowski of Grinnell and Michael (Leesa) Johnston of Thor, Iowa; a brother, John (Ardella) Burr of Newton; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and several foster-children. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ed on March 27, 2020; her parents; and a son-in-law, Wayne Kidrowski.