Linda Lea Johnston, 74, of Mercer, MO and formerly of Grinnell and Toledo, passed away Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville, MO. Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 14, 2021, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home. Graveside Services will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Toledo. Masks may be worn at the discretion of the attendees. The graveside service will be live streamed on Kruse-Phillips Funeral and Cremation Services Facebook page.

Linda was born on August 18, 1947, in Toledo, IA, the daughter of Charles and Catherine (Dowd) Collins.

She graduated from South Tama County Community High School and attended Marshalltown Community College.

On September 3, 1966, she was united in marriage to James Edward Johnston in Jefferson City, MO.

Linda was a Program Director for the Farm Service Agency for more than 25 years; she also helped Jim operate the farm. Since retiring, her favorite job was taking care of her great grandkids.  Linda enjoyed working outside, watching the local wildlife and birds.

Survivors include her husband of fifty-five years, Jim Johnston of Mercer, MO; two children, Christine Adler of Altoona and Michael Johnston of Marshalltown; grandkid, Kailer (Chelsey) Stevenson; great grandkids, Jaxson, Rylee, Lillee and Linken; one sister, Phyllis (Don) Ebersole of Claremont, CA; one sister-in-law, Ellen Collins of Toledo; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceding her in death were her parents; one sister, Marge Thurston; and one brother, Robert Collins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be contributed in her name to your favorite charity.