With heavy hearts, we announce Kathryn Anne Johnston (Sachiko Abe) passed away peacefully at the age of 97 at her home in Easton, KS on September 27, 2025. She was cared for by her devoted daughter Kathy, allowing her to remain in her home, which was her greatest wish.
Kathy (Kathryn) was born on August 14, 1928, in Beppu, Oita-ken, Kyushu Island, Japan. Kathy lived a life marked by love, strength, contentment, and an appreciation for things of beauty. She was a devoted wife and loving mother. Her joy was caring for her family, cooking, and gardening. Kathy had fond memories of traveling the world with her husband Bob (Robert). Together, on Bob’s Harley they explored the United States, often with friends from the Harley Owners Group. Kathy hosted several Japanese women who traveled to Fort Leavenworth with their husbands who were studying at the Command and General Staff College, many becoming lifelong friends. She was a gracious and welcoming hostess.
On April 9, 1955, Kathy married Sgt. First Class Alex E. Vaczi in Fukuoka, Kyushu Island, Japan. To that union, James, Kathryn, and Victoria were born. Alex preceded her in death serving our country in the Vietnam War. Kathy found companionship and love again with Capt. Robert P. Johnston (Lt. Col. Retired), whom she married at Fort Campbell, KY on August 5, 1966. Robert brought 3 young children, William, Lillian, and Robert into their marriage. Kathy loved and cared for her six children and soon welcomed a seventh, John, to their family.
She is survived by her children: James (Dayna) Vaczi, Overland Park, KS; Kathy Parsons (Victor Young), Easton, KS; Lillian (Robert) Lockwood, McLouth, KS; Victoria (Don) Parr, Linwood, KS; Robert Johnston, Rosehill, KS; John(Wendi, deceased) Johnston, McLouth, KS. She so loved family and was blessed with 15 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. Kathy was preceded in death by her husbands, Alex Vaczi (1966) and Robert Johnston (2020); son William Johnston(1976); grandson, Justin Johnston (2011); and daughter-in-law, Wendi Johnston (2021). Each of them held a special place in her heart.
Kathy will be deeply missed. May the way she lived and approached life be an ever-present reminder of how we are to live...with love and gratitude. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Crittendon Home Care and Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care.
Visitation will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Davis Funeral Chapel, 531 Shawnee, Leavenworth, KS 66048 with funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM. Following the funeral service, burial will proceed at Corinth Cemetery, 3301 West 83rd Street, Prairie Village, Kansas.
