Rita M. (Gilligan) Johnston

Rita M. Johnston, nee Gilligan, age 92, of Shiloh, IL formerly of East St. Louis, IL, died on Monday, May 21, 2018 at Memorial Hospital East, Shiloh, IL.

Rita was a graduate of St. Teresa Academy in East St. Louis, IL.  She was the co-owner and operator of Gilligan’s Irish Pub in Shiloh.  Rita and Lee both retired early and later traveled extensively with many friends and relatives, including meeting Pope John Paul, II in Rome. Rita never met a stranger, always had a smile and was loved by all.  She was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother.  The world will become a little less sweet without Rita.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Lee J. Johnston; her parents, Hugh and Louise, nee Patterson, Gilligan; her sisters, Betty and Monica and her brothers, Bernie and Dick.

Rita is survived by her children, Chris L. (Brenda) Johnston of Swansea, IL, Jan M. (Craig) Rouff of Ballwin, MO, Jay P. (Laurie) Johnston of Freeburg, IL, and Tim P. (Jackie) Johnston of Swansea, IL; 7 grandchildren, Mindy Rouff (Matt Beeman), Jordan (Katie) Rouff, Barry Johnston, Paige Johnston (Karthik Pandian), Zachary (Jaclyn) Johnston, Taylor Johnston, and Hayley Johnston; 3 great grandchildren, Aaru, Charlotte and Christopher, and expecting soon to be, Baby Rouff Beeman. Rita is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Rita's family gives special thanks to the loving staff at Morningside Assisted Living Center and to Memorial Hospital, East. 

Memorials may be made to Catholic Urban Programs or to St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd, Fairview Heights, IL.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 24, 2018 at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd, Fairview Heights, IL.

A procession will leave Kassly Mortuary, Ltd, at 10:30 a.m. for a funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 24, 2018 at St. Henry’s Catholic Church, Belleville, IL with Rev. Ken York officiating.

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