Kathleen Johnson

Family-Placed Obituary

JOHNSON, Kathleen R. Age 86, of Hamilton, died at Westover Retirement Community, Wednesday morning, January 10th, 2007. She was born on July 15th, 1920, the daughter of Albert and Martha Rauch. She graduated from Hamilton High in 1938 and married Richard Johnson on Valentine's Day in 1942. They enjoyed 55 years of marriage before his death on New Year's Day, 1997. Kathleen lived life with joy and great humor as a daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother. She overcame health problems as a young woman, and to her delight, became a mother to 3 children, a daughter Kathy Lindsay of Fairfield, daughter Cindy (Jim) Grantz of Hamilton, and son R. Michael (Kathy) Johnson of Columbus. Life took on immeasurable joy with the births of her three grandchildren, Adam, Mandy, and Alex Grantz. The family's lives revolved around the outdoors with Kathleen thriving on activities that weren't available to her as a child. She began swim lessons and acquired her first bike as a middle-aged woman. This led to such dedication that she was profiled by the Journal News for her accomplishments both in the water and on the road. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were charter members of The Great Miami Bicycle Club. As a couple and as a family, most free time was spent fishing, hiking, riding, playing sports, and enjoying the extended family's many pets. The sun, the water, and the woods held priceless adventures and memories during unstructured stress-free times. At the age of 77, Kathleen joined a family excursion swimming with Stingrays in the sea off Grand Cayman Island. She never turned down a chance for an adventure. Her good nature and joy for life remained during her health challenges in her final years. As she adjusted to her life at Westover Retirement Home Alzheimer's Wing, she was affectionately named "Giggles" by the staff. She was always the first to participate in activities, especially those involving music, children, or country rides. The staff became part of her family and a comfort to those who entrusted Kathleen to their care. Their loving care will be remembered with enormous gratitude. The family is also grateful for the care and guidance of Hospice for Kathleen and her family in her final days. Kathleen was a lifelong member of St. Ann's Catholic Church and various Church groups. Besides her involvement with the Great Miami Bicycle Club and the YWCA, she was a member of the Lindenwald Community Club. Her interests included supporting many charitable organizations, particularly those benefiting children. Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her three brothers, Richard, Vincent, and Herbert Rauch. Funeral services will be held at 1:00PM Friday in the Zettler Funeral Home, 2646 Pleasant Ave., followed by entombment, beside her husband, in St. Stephen Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 12noon-1:00PM Friday in the funeral home. Online register book and private condolences at www.zettlerfuneralhome.com