Verleen Johnstone, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 13, 2024. Born on November 9, 1931, to Emil and Maggie Koenke, Verleen was a strong and compassionate woman who was the solid rock of her family. She was beloved by all who knew her, a testament to her unwavering love, kindness, and strength.

Verleen was born and raised in Newkirk, Oklahoma and graduated from Newkirk High School in 1949.  She married her soulmate, Jack Johnstone, in 1955. Together, they built a life filled with love, joy, and shared memories. Verleen was a devoted mother to their daughter, Lanita and husband Dale Chapman of Ponca City, OK, and son Curtis and wife Debbie Johnstone of Newkirk, OK. She was also a cherished grandmother to Bandy and husband Scott Hendricks of Norman, OK, and a proud great-grandmother to Jackson and Jadyn Brammer of Norman, OK, who brought her immense joy.

Verleen's professional life was marked by dedication and service to her community. She spent many years as the secretary of the Newkirk Chamber of Commerce and tag agency and later retired in 1994 from the OSU Kay County Extension Center. Outside of work, Verleen enjoyed traveling, tending to her flower beds, reading, and playing cards with friends and family. She was famous for her baked cookies, Chex Mix and "Grandma's crackers." Verleen took great delight in hosting happy hour for her girls. One of her favorite traditions was Christmas Breakfast with immediate and extended family. She was an active participant in hosting and carrying on the family legacy with both the Koenke and Johnstone reunions. The Koenke family has over 50 years of consecutive gatherings.

Verleen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack; her parents, Emil and Maggie Koenke; and her siblings, Alvina, Virgil, and LaVerna. Verleen's life was a testament to the love she gave to everyone around her—her family, friends, and community. Verleen radiated warmth, grace, and the love of a lifetime. Her memory will be forever cherished, and she will be deeply missed by all.

Services will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 20, 2024, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Newkirk. Following the service a gathering will be at the Stagecoach Event Center in Newkirk, OK.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Hospice of North Central Oklahoma: 445 Fairview Ave Ponca City, OK 74601