Kelly Ann Johnston, 51, passed away peacefully, at home, after a short battle with rapidly-progressing ALS.

Kelly was born June 17, 1974, in Long Beach, CA, to Ken and Ruby Johnston. She lived there until she was 18, then they moved to central Arkansas. She led a busy life, having kids and working hard. But she played even harder. Famous for her game nights, Kelly loved playing cards, especially SkipBo. She loved nothing more than games, good music, and quality time with the people she loved.

She affected so many others with her warm smile and her laughter. She would help anyone with anything she could, giving her whole self to causes like CASA, foster care, and delivering meals with her church. She was a foster mom to many, hoping to provide them with stability and love. She was also a second mom to all her kid’s friends, and loved them as if she’d given birth to them herself.

Kelly was an organ donor and she will live on through others. She encouraged everyone to be a donor.

Kelly was passionate about kindness, compassion, equality, inclusion. She loved her houseplants, animals, and humor. But mostly her wife and children. She was a bright light in this world and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Kelly was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her daughter, Savannah (Leo) of Overland Park, KS; her son Asher of Conway, AR; her wife, Jennifer, also of Conway, AR; and her fiercely-loved dogs, fish, and plants.

In lieu of a service, the family requests that you write down a memory or funny story about Kelly and trade that for one of her almost 200 house plants. She would love giving a piece of her heart for her friends to care for. The family plans to have memories dropped off and plants picked up within the next week. Please contact one of them or watch Kelly’s facebook page for details.

If anyone would like to make a donation in her honor, please do so with the ALS Association or I AM ALS, as they continue to push for more research into this deadly disease.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com