Obituary of Alma L. Johnston

Alma L. Johnston, 97, formerly of Minersville, PA, died on Sunday, November 27, 2011 at Broad Acres Health & Rehabilitation Center, Wellsboro, PA. Alma was born in Minersville on July 12, 1914 to Clarence Franklin and Sadie Miller Ludwig. Alma was a graduate of Minersville High School, Ursinus College and Columbia University's Teachers College where she earned a Masters Degree in 1941. While at Ursinus, she was a physics assistant under Dr. John Mauchly who later built the first digital electronic computer. She taught mathematics at Minersville High School and Penn State University, Schuylkill Haven Campus Summer School. Alma attended Summer Institutes at Franklin and Marshall and San Diego State. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Minersville and served as Worthy Matron of the Pioneer Chapter of the Eastern Star and as Mother Advisor of The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. She was active in Girl Scout Troup #1 as Assistant Leader, a member of the American Association of University Women and the Treasurer of Delta Kappa Gamma. Alma is survived by two daughters, Marilyn (Winfield M.) Watson of West Chester, PA, Jeanne (Dr. Edward, Jr.) Cias of Mansfield, PA and a grandson, Dr. Edward (Karen) Cias, III, also of Mansfield. In keeping with Alma's wishes, there will be no services. The Jacquelyn A. Buckheit Funeral Chapel, Crematory & Monuments, PC, 637 S. Main Street, Mansfield, PA, is assisting the family. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com