Johanna was born on October 17, 1934 in Viernheim, Germany. In 1956, she met and married Carl Gaither and they eventually traveled to the United States. As the wife of a U.S. military soldier, she lived in many places including Taiwan and the Philippines, as well as several states across the U.S. Affectionately known as “Hanni” to her siblings and later as “Grandma” to her friends and family. Those close to her remember her for her unique and classy style in clothes and jewelry and her fondness for the finer things in life.
Her survivors include three daughters; Kathleen Hagen of Gilbert, MN, Bernice Leichner of Broken Arrow, OK, Susan Carter (Don) of Arlington, TX and one son; Frank Gaither (Lorri) of Argyle, TX; one sister, Margot Faber (Egon), and two brothers; Horst Kempf (Maria), and Bernhard Kempf (Anneliese) all of Viernheim, Germany. Nine grandchildren, Jennifer, Bobbie Jo, Christina, Buck, Derrick, Fredrick, Sable, Sammy, Doug. Seven great grandchildren, Mason, Noah, Addyson, Abel, Avery, Violet and Zachary.
She was preceded in death by her parents Heinrich and Elisabeth Kempf, her sister Monika Linhoff of Viernheim, Germany and her son-in-law Mike Hammerel of Broken Arrow, OK.
A memorial service for Johanna will be held Saturday, February 19, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Moore Bowen Road Funeral Home, 4216 S. Bowen Rd., Arlington, TX 76016.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.moorebowenroad.com for the Gaither family.
