Ernestine Ruth Johnson

Whitesboro – Ernestine Ruth Johnson, age 87, formerly of Herkimer, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, November 21, in Faxton-St. Luke's Medical Center, New Hartford with her loving family at her side.
She was born on November 23, 1934, in Ilion, a daughter of the late Elvin and Mary (Phillips) Fay. Raised and educated in the valley she graduated Ilion High School with the class of 1952. On November 10, 1956, she married Robert E. Johnson in Yonkers. They made their home in Herkimer and raised 5 children.
For many years Ernie worked as a secretary to the Social Worker at Folts Home.
She enjoyed her family and time spent with them, especially the after Thanksgiving Day "shop till you drop" adventures with her daughters. Ernie had many diverse talents, a gifted cake decorator she also enjoyed carpentry work, from building bookcases to putting on roof singles. She was determined to do a job and do it well. She will be fondly remembered for her kindness and listening heart. Those who knew her always felt comfortable talking to her. You felt like a you were her lifelong friend. She will be sadly missed.
Surviving are her loving husband of 66 years, Robert, two sons and their family Robert and Sabine Johnson of Germany, Ronald and Pat Johnson of Herkimer, three daughter and their families, Dena and Bill Lary of Thompson, CT, Elizabeth "Gina" and Kenneth Rando of Remsen, Erin and Christopher Bohler of Sumter, SC, 14 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by a brother, John Fay a sister, Mary May, a granddaughter, Jessica Marie Lary and great-grandson, Edward Smith.
Funeral Service will be on Monday at 10:00am in Fenner Funeral Home, Inc. 115 Court Street, Herkimer. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. Calling hours in the funeral home will be on Sunday from 2:00 until 4:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donation may be made to St. Jude Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.