Esther R. Johnson

Esther "EJ" Ruth Johnson 88, of Irishtown, passed away Thursday, March 21, 2019, at her residence, after a lengthy illness. 

Born February 16, 1931 in her family's home near Rew, she was a daughter of the late Guy M. and Kittie B. (Miles) Raught.

In 1936 she and her family moved from Rew to Hazel Hurst. Esther attended Kushequa Elementary School and graduated from Hamlin High School in 1949.

On June 10, 1950, she married Axel J. "AJ" Johnson who died December 1, 2018. AJ & EJ started dating in 1945. They loved square dancing, especially wherever Cowgirl Clara was performing. She also enjoyed bowling, yardwork, Schmidt's and spending time with her family and friends. In 1955 they moved into their home in Irishtown and enjoyed 68 devoted years together. 

EJ worked at Hanley Brick for 11 years, and Dresser Manufacturing for 33 years, retiring in 1997. She assisted AJ doing bookkeeping for Lafayette Township while he was a Supervisor. She was widely respected for her work ethic and sense of responsibility. In 44 years of employment she never requested a sick day.

She was a 50 year Golden Star Sister in the Phoenix Chapter #15 of Smethport of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Surviving is her devoted daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl (Rick) Lutz, of Bradford, three sisters, Mary Walker of El Cajon CA, Carol Stroup, of Mt Jewett, Adda (Dale) Swanson of Smethport, one brother Guy (Kay) Raught of Hazel Hurst, two sister-in-laws, Edie Raught, and Shirley Raught, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters, Geraldine Nunn, Virginia Klein, and four brothers, Bill, Don, Dick and Tom Raught.

Family will be receiving friends on Monday, March 25, 2019, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc., 372 East Main Street, members of the Phoenix Chapter #15 of the Order of the Eastern Star will conduct services at 12:45 pm followed by funeral services at 1:00pm with Rev. Jay Tennies, pastor of the Hill Memorial United Methodist Church, officiating. Committal services and burial will follow in McKean Memorial Park.

Memorials contributions if desired, may be made to the  Lafayette Volunteer Fire Department, or the Community Nurses Home Support Services Inc. 757 Johnsonburg Road, Suite 200, St. Marys, PA 15857.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

 

HOLLENBECK-CAHILL Funeral Home

33 South Avenue • Bradford, PA 16701

All Condolences -

Our deepest sympathy to your family during this sad and difficult time. I worked with your mom at Dressers and have many find memories of our friendship. May she now Rest In Peace with your dad in paradise. You were such a great daughter and they are both smiling down on you with love and pride.
— Marty and Kris Sapko

Oh, Cheryl...we are so very sorry for your loss. Sending our condolences, thinking about you & Rick at this difficult time. Sending prayers for peace. Both your Mom & Dad are together again in a better place, no worries. Take care. What a wonderful life.
— Terri & Bill Leven

Cheryl and Rick, So sorry to hear that both of Cheryl''s parents have passed. You took good care of them. I am sure they will be missed.
— Kay Hurley

Cheryl and Rick, so sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. Peace to you both.
— Chris and Ginny Hauser

Cheryl, I am so sorry for the loss of EJ. She and your Dad have been great friends of ours for many years. We enjoyed knowing them and always had a wonderful time with them.
— eris hogue

I worked with your Mom at Dresser. She was a kind, soft spoken, fun loving person and always had a smile on her face! A pleasure to work with. Thoughts and prayers to your family.
— Barb Lyons

Your mom was always a favorite customer of mine at the bank. I always enjoyed visiting with her. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
— Patti Arlington

Cheryl, Rick and Family... sending our heartfelt condolences & prayers to you all during your difficult time of loss.
— Angie & Robb Shipman, John Taylor families

Cheryl, Rick & Family, Two Wonderful people and the best of God''s children are now united in eternity. I feel truly Blessed to have known Esther and Axel. May God''s healing comfort all of you during this time of sorrow.
— Tony Varone

So sorry to hear of Esther passing. But she is at rest and with Axel. She was a hard worker and good person.
— SARAH A RHODES

Cheryl, Rick, and Family. Our Deepest Sympathy, thoughts, prayers, and love in the loss of your Mom. May she now rest peacefully with your Dad. May your sadness during this most difficult time only help remind you of happier times growing up with your loving parents. Diane and Mike and Family.
— Diane Linda Waleski

Condolences

  • Our deepest sympathy to your family during this sad and difficult time. I worked with your mom at Dressers and have many find memories of our friendship. May she now Rest In Peace with your dad in paradise. You were such a great daughter and they are both smiling down on you with love and pride.

    — Marty and Kris Sapko
  • Oh, Cheryl...we are so very sorry for your loss. Sending our condolences, thinking about you & Rick at this difficult time. Sending prayers for peace. Both your Mom & Dad are together again in a better place, no worries. Take care. What a wonderful life.

    — Terri & Bill Leven
  • Cheryl and Rick, So sorry to hear that both of Cheryl''s parents have passed. You took good care of them. I am sure they will be missed.

    — Kay Hurley
  • Cheryl and Rick, so sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. Peace to you both.

    — Chris and Ginny Hauser
  • Cheryl, I am so sorry for the loss of EJ. She and your Dad have been great friends of ours for many years. We enjoyed knowing them and always had a wonderful time with them.

    — eris hogue