Laura was born to Rodolfo and Laura Cruz in Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico on July18, 1930. Laura attended the primary and secondary schools of Pachuca. So determined that his daughter learn English, Rudy promised Laura continuing education in The United States if she mastered the English language. She set to that goal in study and befriended employees of the English mining companies in the region for practice. Goal accomplished and, as promised by her beloved Rudy, she enrolled at The University of Texas where she majored in chemistry. Laura met Norman / Newt Johnston in a history class. In the mornings they shared this class and their studies. In the afternoons they swam in the icy, spring fed pools of Austin. And at night, they danced to the tunes of the times. As the best dreams come true, they fell in love and soon married. They settled first in Bloomington, Illinois where their first son, Norman, was born. Job opportunities soon relocated them to the north east where they spent time in New York and Massachusetts. There, Michael was born into the family. Soon, the Sun Belt called Newt's talents and the family came to Oklahoma City. Together, Laura and Newt blended and enjoyed the professional, social, and family life in this growing community. Then, the blessing of Kay came to the Johnston Family and the family was complete. With Newt lending his engineering talents to the growth of the city, Laura shepherded the Johnston children to the daily activities and required attendance of Sunday school and Church for this growing family. But always, Laura's emphasis lay with hard study, dedicated effort, and honest accountability. With persistent guidance, all three children went to college and assumed roles in the work force. Retirement soon came to Newt and together Laura and Newt shared the excitement of travel, creating a new house, and re-solidifying the love they shared through the years. Ocean cruises, Europe, Africa, Russia, South America, and Antarctica delivered their wonders. The family grew with the birth of their grandson, Grant. Laura joyfully assumed the role of grandmother, doting on him, taking him places, showing him things, loving him. With time slowing their travels, Laura settled back into helping her community by supporting "Women of the Church," "Meals on Wheels," and "The Community Food Bank." Though a stroke robbed Laura of some of her mobility, it never stemmed her love of life, friends, and family. Laura was a regular for her beauty appointment and bridge club. In public she was always dressed immaculately. And, she fiercely defended her independence. We are ever so grateful she passed quietly and without pain or suffering. And, we will admire the grace and courage Laura displayed in the final years of her life. Laura was preceded in death by her parents. Laura is survived by her husband, Norman, brothers, Miguel and Carlos, and their extended families, her son, Norman, daughter-in-law, Donna, grandson, Grant, son, Michael, and daughter-in-law Cynthia, and daughter, Kay.