Judith Larson Johnston passed away October 8, 2026, in Montana.

Judy was born in Deer Lodge Montana March 30th

, 1940, to Elmer & Sadie Larson. She

attended Powell County high school and Western Montana College in Dillon earning an

associate degree in business. She married Joe Johnston in December of 1960 in Deer

Lodge Montana. She and Joe moved to Missoula together where Judy worked at AT&T

until Joe’s teaching and coaching career took them to Fromberg, Drummond and Baker

Montana. These were some of the most precious years for Judy. She cherished her

time in these towns starting her family and being a “bonus mom” to many Baker

Spartans. That path took a new direction when they moved the family back to Deer

Lodge where Joe joined the family ranch and Judy began her calling as a secretary for

School District #1 for 26 years.

Judy had a great love of music. From the time she was twelve she played the organ at

St. John Lutheran church and continued for 70 years. Judy loved to play the piano, she

would say she “wasn’t great but would do in a pinch”. That pinch accompanied many

years of school, church and community concerts. She also enjoyed her time singing in

the church and Spiritual Life Choirs.

Judy’s greatest joy came from being with her family and watching it grow. With every

child, grandchild and great-grandchild her support was unwavering. She followed the

sports and regrettably no music careers (ok, maybe the Labbe’s) of her kids, grandkids,

and great grandkids. She was there for the football games, volleyball, basketball, track,

tennis, and rodeo always accompanied with sandwiches, chips and York mints.

Judy’s sense of faith, community and service was present in every town she lived. She

served on the Youth Center, Adult Literacy, PCHS scholarship fund, Church boards and

volunteered in many community activities. She dipped her toe into politics and served

on the Powell County Board of Trustees. Her selflessness and quiet contributions

helped many over the years. Whether it was a secret sack that held a new pair of

winter gloves for a student, or taking care of the little things to make someone’s life a

little easier she made an impact with no expectation of recognition. She embodied her

Christian faith in a steadfast manner and passed that sense of faith and the peace it

brings on to her family and many around her.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband Joe Johnston, eldest daughter Kari Labbe,

son Evan Johnston and son-in-law Paul Sliter. She is survived by her children Janet

Janney (Ed), Elaine Taylor (Mark), Son-in-law Allan Labbe, Daughter-in-law Dana

Johnston along with grandchildren Logan Labbe, Shawna Williams, Brian Labbe, Beth

Janney, Tess Janney, Elsa Janney, Kylie Goff, Ethan Johnston, Morgan Christensen,

Raegan Taylor and 10 great grandkids.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday October 14th at 11am at St. John Lutheran

church in Deer Lodge, Montana. In lieu of flowers the family asks if you are so inclined

to send donations to any of the following organizations. St. John Lutheran Church,

Rialto Theatre, Powell County Community Foundation, or Powell County Community

Scholarship Foundation: Evan Johnston Memorial Scholarship.