Marsha L. (Root) Johnston, 77, of Schnecksville, died April 17, 2026 in her home. She was the wife of Brian K. Johnston to whom she was married 51 years. Born in Middletown, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Herbert and Marjorie (McMullen) Root.

She earned her bachelor’s degree from Miami University and master’s degree at Xavier University, both in Ohio.

She was an elementary schoolteacher, retiring from Northwestern Lehigh School District in 2012. Before that, she substituted and taught at various schools, including the Parkland School District.

Active in her church and community, she was a member of Asbury United Methodist, where she was a member of Asbury Deborah Circle, participated in Asbury in Mission, taught adult Sunday School and was the leader of the Asbury Bazaar for several years. She was a two-time past president of the Upper Lehigh Lions Club, Schnecksville in 2010-2011 and 2022-2023 and a 20-year club member, currently serving as the membership director. She served as District Governor of Lions District 14-K in 2016-2017.

She received a Melvin Jones Fellowship Recognition award in 2013. She was the adviser for the Leo Club at Northwestern Lehigh High School. In addition, she was the past president of the Lehigh County chapter of the Pennsylvania State Educators Association – Retired and volunteered at Ramos Elementary School. She and her husband volunteered with the Lehigh Valley Outpatient Depot.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by daughters, Cheryl R. and her partner, Winston Davis, of Dallas, Texas, Deborah C. Wrich and her husband, Bryan, of Apple Valley, Minn.; brother, Donald Root and his wife, Gwen, of Muskogee, Okla.; grandsons, Harrison and Alexander Wrich; step- granddaughters Alice and Bess Davis.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., April 24, at Asbury United Methodist Church, 1533 Springhouse Road, Allentown. Family and friends may pay their respects 6-8 p.m. April 23, in the Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., 4906 Route 309 Schnecksville and 10-11 a.m., April 24 in the church. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at www.heintzelmancares.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lehigh Valley Outreach Depot in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 196 Schnecksville, 18078-0196.