Rachel Johns

Rachel Johns, 83, of Newton died Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2013, at Skiff Medical Center under the care of Skiff Hospice in Newton.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Rachel will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at  Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newton, with Father William Reynolds and Deacon Dan Goetz officiating. A visitation with the family will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton has been entrusted with the arrangements. Memorials are being designated to American Cancer Society or Skiff Hospice.

Rachel, the daughter of Jose and Conception (Cavazos) Galvan, was born Dec. 3, 1930, in San Antonio, Texas. She graduated from the San Antonio Vocational and Technical School in 1948. She had been a telephone operator with Southwestern Bell in Texas.

On Jan. 19, 1963, Rachel was united in marriage with Donald Lee Johns in San Antonio. She had devoted her life to her family and friends, and was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She enjoyed bowling, sewing and reading and had lived in Germany and traveled extensively throughout Europe. She was a kind and warm hearted lady who always found the good in everyone.

Those left to honor Rachel’s memory include her husband of 50 years, Don; a daughter, Beverly A. Johns of Chicago, Ill.; son, David L. Johns of Peoria, Ill.; her sister, Bertha Williams of San Antonio and a brother, Gilbert Galvan.

Rachel was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Ora Silva.