Ty Johnson, 99, of Hinsdale, died peacefully Feb. 3, 2024.
She was born Vashti Kathryn Iobe in 1924 in Independence, Kan. Ty met Wilton William "Bill" Johnson at a military social hosted by the Philbrook Art Museum in Tulsa, Okla., and the two stayed in touch throughout World War II. Ty was not surprised when four years later, as a decorated ACE fighter pilot and Army Major, Bill returned to Tulsa looking for her. The two were married on April 15, 1946, and a few weeks later, Ty graduated with a bachelor's from the University of Tulsa.
Bill and Ty moved throughout the Midwest following Bill's career as an executive for International Harvester and had three sons in each new city. They first moved to Hinsdale in 1962 and it quickly became a forever home. Ty and Bill moved to London in 1966 and traveled throughout Europe. After retirement, they continued their travels to Turkey and Portugal as Bill volunteered with the International Executive Service Corp. Ty loved meeting interesting people and extending friendships across the globe.
Throughout her life, Ty delighted in new learning experiences and opportunities to contribute. She volunteered regularly through her boys' activities, church and at Hinsdale Hospital. The hospital even put her on the payroll for a time.
From childhood, Ty had a deep love for dogs and birds. Over the years, she perfected the call of a cardinal and could easily converse with the neighborhood birds. She welcomed regular visits from her grandpups and their humans.
After Bill passed in 1997, Ty moved into the Woods at King Bruwaert House and quickly immersed herself in the KB community. She lived the rest of her life at KB and loved the community of neighbors and the compassionate staff. Ty felt her family was her greatest blessing. She wanted all of her family and friends to "Continue to live a full and interesting life. Enjoy it!"
She is survived by three children, Mark (Rhonda), Lee (Chris) and Kent (Mary); her five grandchildren, Scott, Ryan, Andrew, Elizabeth and Cynthia; and her seven great-grandchildren.
A memorial will be held at King Bruwaert House in Burr Ridge in the spring.
Interment is at Bronswood Cemetery in Oak Brook. Memorial may be made to a charity of your choice. In lieu of flowers, buy or give away an orchid, Ty's most beloved flower.
