Samantha "Sammi" Johnston

COOLIDGE - Samantha Jean "Sammi" Johnston, 45, of Coolidge died on March 5, 2014.

Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Monday at the family home, with a celebration of life beginning at 3.

Mrs. Johnston was born on Aug. 31, 1968, in Canton, Ill. She served in the National Guard from 1987 to 1997 and worked at various jobs from dump truck driver to her most recent, as a state corrections officer in Florence. A "born fighter," she battled colon cancer for nine years, and her motto was "never give up."

Survivors include her husband of 26 years, Jerry S.; two sons, Brian S. Johnston of Coolidge and Tyler S. Johnston of Colorado Springs, Colo.; a daughter, Cheyenne B. Mix of Colorado Springs; and her mother, Shirley E. Day of Coolidge. She was preceded in death by her father, James E. Day.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud Coolidge Chapel is in charge of arrangements.