Rachel E. Johnston

Rachel E. Johnston, 89, of Topeka, died on Saturday, September 19, 2026. She was born November 20, 1936, in Grand Junction, Colorado, the daughter of Raymond R. and Elsie Johnson Lane. She attended school in Grand Junction and Charter Oak, California, and had lived in Topeka since 1960.

Rachel was a member of the International Association of United Church of God in Kansas City, Missouri, and the Church of God, a Worldwide Association in Louisburg, Kansas. She remained a member of the Church for 56 years.

Rachel was a gifted artist with a lifelong love of creating. She first began showing her artwork in California at the age of 17. She was especially talented at creating realistic nature scenes and portraits and worked in many different mediums, including paints, pastels, colored pencils, and more. Her artwork received numerous awards over the years. Her artistic talent and the works she created remain a lasting part of her legacy.

Above all, Rachel was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. To her close family, she was fondly known as “Grammy,” a name that will continue to hold many cherished memories for those who loved her.

Rachel married Robert E. Bedsaul on November 11, 1941, in Las Vegas. They later divorced. She married LeRoy Johnston on January 27, 1962, in Topeka. He preceded her in death on July 20, 2000.

Survivors include her son, Mark LeRoy Johnston of Topeka; step-son, Michael LeRoy Johnston of Topeka; daughters, Rochelle “Shelly” Bedsaul of Bremerton, Washington, and Jody Beth Chaney of St. Marys, Kansas; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Rachel was preceded in death by her brother, Don Lane of Topeka; her daughter, Roxanne Bedsaul; and her son, Dean Johnston of Topeka.

The family is planning private family graveside services at Rochester Cemetery. Please leave the family a message on the funeral home’s website.

www.ppdfuneral.com.