Patricia L. Johnson

Patricia Louise Kauffman Johnson, 78, affectionately known throughout her life as “Patty Lou” and later as “Miss Patty,” was born in Dennison, Ohio, and spent her life residing in the cherished home where she was raised. She passed away on October 5, 2026 at The Truman House in New Philadelphia. Named after her aunt and a priest, she grew into a beloved community character and leader, earning the respectful title “Miss Patty” from the many people whose lives she touched.

Her lifelong devotion to music began at the age of nine, when she started playing and singing solo for the 6 o’clock Mass at Immaculate Conception Church in Dennison. Over the years, she served as a musician for First Christian Church in Uhrichsville, St. John’s Worship and Praise Community Church, and numerous other area churches. She provided music for weddings, funerals—including filling in for Ross Lindsey at the Lindsey Funeral Home when called upon—and countless community events, including musicals at Claymont and Conotton Valley High Schools.

Since 1981, she taught piano lessons, sharing her love of music with students for more than four decades. Teaching brought her immense joy, and it was a tremendous blessing to have witnessed so many students who found the love of music and achieve success in their accomplishments. Every student was special to her, and they brought so much joy in her music room.

Patty also served her community in civic leadership. She filled a vacancy on the Village of Dennison Council following the passing of Gene McCluskey in 2009 and worked diligently on behalf of local residents. During her tenure, she helped foster community pride by initiating the annual celebration of “922 Day” on September 22. She contributed to the establishment of the Village Dog Park, the development of the PanHandle Passage Trail, and served as Secretary for the Historical Dreamsville Organization.

Though she declared no specific religion, Patty described herself as an agnostic who deeply believed in God while acknowledging the mysteries of creation. She worshipped daily in her own personal way, feeling surrounded by grace, mercy, blessings, and the presence of guardian spirits throughout her life’s journey.

A graduate of Claymont High School’s first class of 1966, Patty’s heart remained with her St. Mary’s classmates, where she attended school for eleven years. She was a proud member of the Claymont Library’s Book of the Month Club. She loved all animals, especially the many cats she brought into her family over the years.

Her working life extended beyond music. Immediately after high school, she worked the night shift in the Secretarial Office at Twin City Hospital, handling admissions and operating the old fashioned switchboard to call doctors and ambulances—work she loved. She later worked at Conley’s in Midvale as a cashier, at Flex Plastics in Midvale, and hosted a daily 15 minute radio program on WBTC titled Uplifting Sessions, where she wrote and shared thoughtful reflections following the station’s Dial and Deal segment.

Patty and her husband, Ernest A. “Ernie” Johnson Jr., who preceded her in death on May 14, 2026, began their married life in Parral before returning home due to her homesickness. They purchased a home at 118 S. Jay Street in Uhrichsville where they raised their three children over 27 wonderful years. After the flood of 1989, they relocated to 421 N. 5th Street in Dennison, Ohio.

They are survived by their daughter, Audrey J. (Jim) Herman; sons, R. Bruce (Cindy) Johnson and Nick P. (Vanessa) Johnson; grandchildren, Erin (Sarah) Abelseth, Sarah Steele, Cameron Johnson, Aaron (Stephanie) Kutcher, Ashley (Kevin) Eddleman, and David Herman; great-grandchildren, Bailey, Alex, Asher, and Teagan; special niece, Billie (Tom) Johnson-Kelley and her children, Lexee and Lukas; nephew, Todd (Mandi) Myers; and many other dearly loved cousins, extended family, and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by infant twin sisters.

Patty’s wishes were to be cremated before being laid to rest with her beloved Ernie at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of her life on Saturday, October 10, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the large pavilion at McCluskey Park in Dennison. In lieu of flowers, donations honoring her memory may be made to the Village of Dennison, P. O. Box 147, Dennison, OH 44621, to support the upkeep of McCluskey Park. The only way to conclude her obituary is with her signature closing… XOXO 2-side lovins!