Thompson Funeral ChapelRosella (Rosie) Johnson-Gardner
Rosella (Rosie) Johnson-Gardner, 84, passed away Tuesday, October 2, 2018, in Goodyear, Arizona. She was born on October 30, 1933, along with twin brother, Frank, to the late Carlton and Pauline (Woodruff) Willeke.
She married Delbert Gerald Johnson on November 23, 1952, and he preceded her in death. On April 30, 1995, she married Thad B. Gardner who also preceded her in death.
Surviving are her children Jeff Johnson, Greg (Tami) Johnson, and Kristie McCarthy. Six grandsons; Matthew (Kylie) McCarthy, Michael Johnson, Nathan McCarthy, Ryan Johnson, Adam Johnson, and Zachary McCarthy. Three great-granddaughters; twins Teagan and Emberly McCarthy, and Keiralyn McCarthy. Numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her two husbands, twin brother Frank (Millie) Willeke, brothers; Vernal Willeke and Wayne Willeke.
Rosie was a retired rural mail carrier and Postmaster at the Ridgeway Post Office. She was a member of the Ridgeway United Methodist Church and their Women’s Group; Rural Carriers Association, League of Postmasters; Silver Star Circle, and Hardin Memorial Hospital Guild.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ridgeway United Methodist Church or Ridgemont Public Library.
Johnson Family:
So sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I have a lot of great memories of her and her wonderful laugh. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all.
Prayers of comfort and joy in the wonderful memories. Ridgeway had a great postal team.
Thank you, Lori.
Thank you, Darren. How did you know our mother?
I am so sorry to hear this – Rosie was one-of-a-kind!
I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers!
I am so very sorry for the loss of your Mom, she was a wonderful lady. She, Pat Gardner-Rogers and Janet Jeffers were such good friends to my mom, Mabel Candler and helped me out so much when I couldn’t get Mom to church meetings. Now they are all together again and I bet they are having a good time. I know she will be sorely missed by all your family. Peace and God’s love to all.
To Kristie, Greg and Jeff and Family:
I am so saddened to hear of your dear mother’s passing. Rosie was a great role model to me over the years. From the time I babysit with you Kristie, and when I came out to the farm and helped your mom with house work, and when she hired me at the post office, she was caring, hard working and had such a zest for life. She definitely was the best boss I ever had and I enjoyed her laughter . I know she was a blessing in my life and she will be greatly missed by family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and may God’s love bring you strength and comfort.
Thank you, Marla. Jeff, Greg and I along with our families appreciate your kind words.
And I agree, the Ridgeway Post Office personnel were awesome! I have a lot of fond memories hanging around there and talking with your dad while I waited for Mom to get back from her route.
Kristie
Thank you, Jim.
Mom thought so much of you and enjoyed the time Thad and she spent with you.
Rosie’s Family
Mom was blessed to have such a wonderful group of friends who supported one another. We are thankful that she is in a better place now.
Jeff, Greg and I, along with our families, appreciate your thoughtful words.
Thank you, Denise.
She was so happy to have you as her PMR and felt very fortunate because you were trustworthy and dependable.
We greatly appreciate your kind words and prayers.
Jeff, Greg, Kristie and Our Families
Even though I have just seen this, I pray for strength and comfort. I so enjoyed taking care of her at Blanchard Place. What a wonderful lady I got to meet and know. I see she finally made up her mind as she was in AZ. Her laughter was infectious when she laughed, she was always happy, well, mostly.