Ann Johnson

Ann was strong, courageous, and resilient—not only during her battle with cancer, but throughout her entire life. As the oldest of nine children, she took on responsibility at an early age, helping to care for her younger siblings.

Ann spent most of her childhood in Portage, Indiana where she graduated from Portage High School in 1959. Following graduation, she moved to Chicago and began a career in the administrative field.

It was in Chicago that Ann met the love of her life, Lawrence (Larry) Johnson. They met at a party in November 1962 and knew almost immediately they had found the person they were meant to spend their lives with and were married after just three months on February 16, 1963. They welcomed their son Jeff a year later, followed by daughters Laura and Mary Beth. They also opened their hearts and home to several foster children. Their 63-year marriage was a beautiful testament to unwavering devotion and partnership centered on faith, love and family.

Ann expressed her love in countless thoughtful ways, especially through cooking and baking. Her kitchen was the heart of every holiday, where she prepared unforgettable meals that brought everyone together and created traditions her family continues to treasure today. She loved hosting family celebrations and welcoming friends into her home.

After retiring, Ann and Larry fulfilled a longtime dream by moving to Brown County, Indiana, a place they had fallen in love with during family vacations throughout the 1970s and 1980s. There they purchased a log cabin that became the setting for countless cherished family gatherings, holidays, and lifelong memories. They later owned and operated a bed and breakfast in Madison, Indiana, before spending 16 happy years in Sun City Center, Florida. Eventually, they settled in Centerville, Ohio, to be close to family.

Retirement allowed Ann to pursue one of her passions—painting. A gifted artist, she became an active member of the Sun City Center Art Club, where her beautiful work earned numerous awards and recognition.

Ann's faith was the foundation of her life. As an adult, she was confirmed into the Catholic Church and later completed a four-year diaconate formation program alongside Larry through the Archdiocese of Chicago. She faithfully served as a lector and volunteer over the years, found comfort in praying the Psalms, and remained devoted to her daily prayer life.

Ultimately, nothing brought Ann greater happiness than being "Grandma." She adored her grandchildren and delighted in celebrating their accomplishments, sharing holidays, creating memories, and simply spending time together. Her love, encouragement, and unwavering support will remain one of the greatest gifts she leaves behind.

Ann is survived by her loving husband Larry, children, Jeff (Jean) Johnson, Laura Johnson, and Mary Beth Bender and grandchildren Cole, Jack and Abby. She is also survived by her siblings Mary Nobles, Michael (Linda) Nobles, Marsha (Duane) DeGaetano, Betty Borhauer, Barbara (Jeff) Wonderlich, and Allan (Patti) Nobles, and many nieces and nephews. Ann is preceded in death by her parents Marshall and Matilda Nobles and her siblings Morris and Robert Nobles.

Her family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers, hospice staff, friends, and family members whose compassion, kindness, and support brought comfort during her final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton: https://www.ohioshospice.org/dayton/