Alice May Shoemaker Johnston died Tuesday at the age of 91 in Orange City, Fla.

Born in Western Pennsylvania on May 15, 1923, she was raised in Saxonburg.

She grew up during the Great Depression and learned to appreciate frugality and to welcome strangers. Alice shared these gifts throughout her life as a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, friend and supporter.

A public servant by nature, Alice committed her life to others through her work as city clerk of Butler and her volunteer work in her church. She was the connector with a memory that tied everyone from today with their past. A joy to be with, Alice's laugh was contagious, and her meals were legendary. She welcomed children, youths and adults into her life and the life of her family. When adversity struck, she stepped in and helped with the most difficult aspects of need.

She married William D. Johnston, who died in 2012, in 1947 and together they raised a family of four children in Butler.

She is survived by her children, Donna (Bruce) Birney, Brenda Johnston, Douglass Johnston and Dirk (Sharon) Johnston; and her grandchildren, Kira and Kate Birney, and Alison, Grant and Davis Johnston.

JOHNSTON — A service for Alice May Shoemaker Johnston, who died Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014, will be at First Presbyterian Church of DeBary, Fla., at 11 a.m. Sept. 27.