Shirley DeLong Johnstone passed away peacefully on January 4, 2024.
She was the beloved daughter and fifth child of Alexander Maurice and Jetrette Leone DeLong. Shirley lived a long and charmed life and was a resident of Glendale for 93 years.
Family was the joy and focus of Shirley’s life. She was devoted to her girls, highly involved in all their endeavors, from being Girl Scout leader to PTA president. In later years, Shirley became the best “Nonna” to her five grandchildren and traveled near and far to attend their numerous sporting events, graduations, birthdays, weddings and holidays. Recently, she was blessed with 4 great-grandchildren.
Shirley attended Glendale public schools. After graduating from Glendale High, with honors, she attended Stanford University and the University of Southern California, where she graduated with a bachelor’s in Education. Shirley married her high school sweetheart, William S. Johnstone, Jr. They settled in Glendale, where Shirley taught at Horace Mann Elementary. After having children, Shirley lovingly gave up her career to be a homemaker and a mother.
Shirley was the ultimate hostess, entertaining family and friends her entire life. She loved sharing her home and garden, with their beautiful views.
Shirley loved her hometown of Glendale, and was actively involved in Las Candelas, Oakmont League, National Charity League, Oakdale Manor Garden Club, PEO, Alpha Delta Pi, and Glenoaks, Wilson and Glendale High PTAs. Shirley was a respected leader amongst her peers, often serving as president of these organizations.
Shirley was a devoted USC Trojan, attending football games well into her eighties. Shirley worked at the USC Alumni House from 1978 to 1982. After volunteering with the LAOC for the ’84 Olympics, she again returned to USC. She volunteered at Trojan Travel, organizing and hosting trips for over 25 years. Shirley traveled the world, visiting every continent, escorting USC alumni on more than 65 trips. She met her longtime partner, Joe King, on a trip to the Kentucky Derby. They shared many wonderful years of travel, love of family, and, of course, USC football.
Affectionately, Shirley earned the nickname, Ms. Peachy. She incorporated her favorite color, peach, into all aspects of her life, from clothing to décor, including her roses. Shirley brought light, color, and beauty into every room. Her family and friends will remember her for her love and devotion, her sage advice, her constant support, her gracious spirit, and her love of all things bright and beautiful. And, Shirley was bright and beautiful in every sense of those words.
Shirley is predeceased by her former husband, William S. Johnstone, Jr. She is survived by her daughters, Jerrilynn Kline and Jacquelyn Ratto, her partner, Joe King, sons-in-law, Jim Kline and Anthony Ratto, grandchildren, Kelli (Lex) Sarna, Jamie (Krysty) Kline, Kacie Kline, Andrew Ratto, Alec Ratto, great-grandchildren, Cooper and Charlotte Sarna, Piper and Peyton Kline, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.
A family memorial is planned. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the John Tracy Clinic, jtc.org.
