Kris Johnston

Kris Ann Johnston, age 73, a long-time resident of Oswego, NY, died on Tuesday, May 13th, 2025, at St Joseph's Hospital, Syracuse, NY. Kris was born in Herkimer, NY, on a Thursday, April 3rd, 1952, daughter of the late Alonzo Rivers II and Margaret (Layne) Rivers. Kris was predeceased by her husband, Dave M. Johnston, her sister, Patricia Zinkgraf, and her long-time sidekick and companion, her service dog, Teddy (Shih Tzu).

She is survived by her two sons and daughter-in-laws, Dennis Johnston, Leah Soule-Johnston, David and Audrey Johnston, five grandchildren, Evan, Ryan, Dorian, Gavin, and Lyra, as well as Kris's two older brothers, Brad, wife Joyce Rivers, and Lonnie Rivers.

Kris loved to laugh, was fiercely independent, and had many talents and interests. In her teens, she was proud of marching for women's rights. She was an avid reader, rarely seen without a book or Kindle. She played classical guitar, was great at knitting and crocheting (winning several blue ribbons through the years at local county fairs), was a long-time gardener, did crossword puzzles every day, and loved to play video games. Music was a lifelong obsession. In her teen years, she loved a lot of the 60's folk music like Peter, Paul & Mary; Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, to name a few. Our family soundtrack was Harry Chapin being played all the time. In her later years, she was a ginormous Zack Brown Band fan. She called it her Zamily. She would purchase instruments directly from band members. Her favorite band member was John "Hop" Hopkins, who went out of his way to send her a bouquet in the shape of her dog Teddy when she was on an extended hospital stay.

In her early years, she was a graduate of Ilion High School. Then, not too long after, got married and raised two sons. She was a wonderful mom who was always calm and had a great deal of patience. At this time, she worked many years at Twin Trees Too when it first opened, and also gave guitar lessons for additional income. Then at the age of 31 in 1983, she enrolled in college at SUNY Oswego, graduating in 3 years Suma Kum Late, receiving a Bachelor of Science Education. All while raising a family. Kris was then employed by the Oswego County BOCES. Starting the Incarcerated Youth Instructor program. She worked with a difficult population of students in a rather difficult setting. She was actively involved in operation coordination with the Oswego County Sheriff, County judges, probation, and other community agencies providing transitional services for incarcerated youth. In 1996, Kris was recognized for her work. She was well known for her willingness to participate actively in workshops, recognized as a true mentor to the adult literacy and incarcerated staff. In 1997 she received her Master of Science in Education at SUNY Oswego.

The family will not be having a traditional service, choosing instead to celebrate her life later in the summer. If you would be interested in receiving information on the ceremony, please email forluvofteddy@gmail.com with your name and where you know Kris from. We will send you details as they become available.

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