Rosalea Johnson

She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Charles William Johnson, and two sons, Charles Ricky Johnson and Lindal Mark Johnson. She is survived by her son, Derrick Johnson, daughter and son-in-law, Pennie and Jeffrey Uthe, two grandchildren, Matthew and Alexandra Uthe and her sister, Ludean Taylor.

Rose was born to the late Louis and Sylvia Barker. Her father was a miner and farmer in Pope Co. Illinois, and she spent her early childhood living in the rural community of Blanchard that is now called Lusk Creek Wilderness. Rose attended the Steagall-Blanchard one-room school of the community. The family moved to Eldorado, Illinois where she later met and married Charles. Rose and Charles moved to the Evansville area where they raised four children. She often enjoyed traveling to where she was a little girl after it became part of the Shawnee National Forest and her and Charles spent as much time as they could visiting and camping in the area. They eventually acquired the property where the school she attended as little girl was located.

After her children were old enough, Rose became a teacher's aide and helped children with difficulties learn to read. She worked several years at different schools, including Perry Heights and Daniel Wertz grade schools, where she was well loved by the students. On Rose's retirement, Daniel Wertz had a Rose Johnson Day to show their appreciation.

Rose was a very caring person who spent much of her time supporting family and friends that were no longer able to care for themselves. She attended Howell United Methodist Church where she often helped prepare meals and worked their Fall Festival Booth. She also helped cook meals at the Evansville Rescue Mission. She was a very good cook. Since Charles loved to hunt, she could create excellent meals with the wild game and fish he brought home.

Rose was also very creative and artistic; she brought joy to the students and faculty at her school with the many posters and displays she made. She loved to knit and crochet. Anytime someone she knew had a new addition to the family she would make a blanket or clothing for the child.

Rose enjoyed her yard work and loved planting flowers in the spring. She was a loving mother and a wonderful person. She will be greatly missed by her family and all that knew her.

A special thank you to Rose’s sister-in-law, Pat Barker, for being such a good friend to Rose and her family.

A visitation for Rose will take place from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at Alexander Funeral Home West, 2100 W. Illinois St. in Evansville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice, or the following:

Evansville Rescue Mission 500 East Walnut Street Evansville, IN 47713

www.evansvillerescuemission.org

Pope County Historical Society P.O. Box 837

118 N Columbus Ave

Golconda, Illinois 62938

www.popecoilhs.org

Condolences may be made at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com