Henrietta Johnstone

Henrietta (Hank) V. Johnstone of Billings passed away on October 16, 2012 at the age of 91 at St. John's Fischer Cottage with family and friends at her side. Hank was born February 6, 1921 in Hibbing, Minnesota, second of three children born to Gladys Shaw Wilson and Arthur O. Wilson. She graduated from high school in Deer River, Minnesota in 1938, and then served in the WAC in WWII. She met and married Harvey Johnstone in Duluth, Minnesota in 1949. An active member of the community in Billings for nearly 50 years, Henrietta was an active member of P.E.O. and her church. Hank was a world traveler, avid golfer and talented artist. Hank was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harvey, brother Richard Wilson and sister Margaret Ann Kimball. She is survived by nephews and nieces Richard Kimball, Kathleen Belew, Barbara Gross and Mary Kimball; Jack Wilson, Bill Wilson, Susan Wilson and Tim Wilson; plus 13 great nieces and nephews and 17 great-great nieces and nephews. Hank's true passion was opera. While living in Minnesota, Hank and her sister, Margaret attended many Metropolitan Opera touring productions. Hank was deeply involved in Rimrock Opera as a board member and a major donor. Hank's donations brought sets and costumes to Billings for 25 productions of Rimrock Opera. A good friend to RO's Artistic Director, Douglas Nagel, the two understood the importance of making opera available to everyone in Yellowstone and surrounding counties. Her philanthropy enabled world class opera to be produced locally through Rimrock Opera. It was her absolute joy to witness the performances, and in 2010, Hank made a cameo appearance in Act Two of Puccini's love story 'La bohème.' Everyone who witnessed those performances saw Hank's elegance as she graced the stage. Service: A celebration of her life will be held at the Mayflower Congregational Church at the corner of Rehberg Lane and Poly Drive on Saturday, October 27, 2012, at 1:00 PM. A reception will follow the memorial at Lilith Chapel of St. John's Ministries at the corner of Poly Drive and Shiloh Road.