Kathleen Ann Johnson, 81, passed away Jan. 21, 2020, after a four year battle with cancer. She was born March 13, 1938 in Garden Plain, Kan., the daughter of Joseph and Agnes (Leis) Kruse. Kathleen attended Andale High School and graduated in 1956. She was united in marriage to Jerome Johnson, Jan. 21, 1961, and then reunited with him in heaven, on this same day 59 years later.
In 1961, she earned her Nursing degree from Marymount College in Salina. While living in Salina, her career started as an obstetric nurse at St. John’s Hospital. She continued her nursing career as a staff nurse at William Newton Memorial Hospital and the American Red Cross, both located in Winfield. Kathleen was selfless and passionate about helping others, which led her to volunteer for many years at Hospice and Birthright. Quilting and needlework were a few of her favorite hobbies and she enjoyed singing with the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Folk Choir.
Kathleen is survived by: her four children, Michael Johnson (Brenda) of Salina, Michele Johnson (Mark Bergmeier) of Wamego, Mark Johnson (David Lee) of Singapore, and Mary Lawrence of Andover; her grandchildren, Emily Black (Colton, Ryan and Megan Johnson, Joseph and Elijah Bergmeier, Melissa, Matthew, Greta, and Benjamin Lawrence; and her great-grandchildren, Kyler and Brinley Black; her brother, Thomas Kruse (Lettie) of Newton; and sisters, Suzanne Evans (Richard) of Wichita, and Margaret Herrman (Ronald) of Hutto, Texas. Kathleen was proceeded in death by: her parents; husband; and sister, Mary Jo Reichenberger.
Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, at Ryan Mortuary, Salina, with family greeting visitors 6-7, and Rosary at 7.
Funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 27, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Salina, with visitation before mass. Following the graveside service at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Salina, lunch will be provided at St. Mary’s Parish Hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Birthright of Salina, and Kindred Hospice of McPherson, in care of Ryan Mortuary.