Rita Jo Johnson

On Thursday, October 1, 2026, Rita Jo Johnson, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend died at the age of 81.

Rita was born July 20, 1945 in Goessel, KS to Woody and JoHanna Beltz. She was raised in Hillsboro, KS and graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1963. She attended Tabor College where she met Kenneth Johnson, who became her faithful husband of 58 years. Ken and Rita settled in Bakersfield, CA in 1975 to raise their three children. They were active at Heritage Bible Church for 50 years.

Rita was a first grade teacher at Heritage Christian Schools for over 30 years. She finished her career at Valley Oaks Charter School as a resource teacher bringing her up to 40 years in the field of education. From her home, Rita taught many art and reading classes in her time off during the summer. She spent two decades operating Klassy Kreations, where she designed and decorated seasonally themed clothing.

Rita is survived by Jennifer Johnson of Bakersfield, Jay and Jen Johnson of Bakersfield, and Jill and Adam Lee of Madera Ranchos. She leaves behind five grandchildren Tanner, Jett, and Kinley Johnson and Micah and Lucy Lee. She is preceded in death by her husband Ken, parents, brother John, and sister Bette Lee.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Heritage Bible Church on October 24, 2026 at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Heart to Heart International Ministries, PO Box 1832, Ramona, CA 92065. www.h2hint.org