Denise Johnson

Denise Kay Johnson, beloved mother and Mammaw, died at home this past Thursday, August 13, 2026. We had just celebrated her 77th birthday with flowers and angel food cake.

Denise was dedicated to her two children, Kim and Jonah, continuing to sing cherished birthday voice messages throughout the years. She doted on her two grandchildren, Rosa and Henry, following their adventures and accomplishments. We could always rely on her to answer our phone calls and be there for us in a crisis.

Denise graduated from Richmond Senior High School in the class of 1967. She worked as a social worker for her entire career at the Wayne County courthouse and in Springfield, Ohio impacting many lives. In 1979, she married George Johnson, sharing many wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2010. She was most proud of raising two “good citizens” who contribute to society by consistently supporting the Democratic Party.

We played many a game of Yahtzee and Euchre laughing into the late hours around the card table. She followed politics avidly, and will be rejoicing above when this country corrects its course.

Denise leaves behind her children, Jonah Bair of Elwood, Indiana, and Kim Bair married to Rick Koehnlein of Eagle, Wisconsin and her grandchildren, Rosa Koehnlein and Henry Koehnlein, her sister, Carol King and nieces, Elizabeth Saylor and Rochelle Freeman. Her husband, George Johnson, and parents, Bert and Anne Russell, preceded her in death.

As per her request, a private service was held on August 15, 2026. To honor her life and in lieu of flowers, she would want you all to get out and vote! Stegall-Bereheie-Orr funeral Service handled arrangements. Online condolences may be shared with her family via the guest book at Stegall-berheide-orr.com.