Family and friends will gather to remember Kathleen "Kathie" Gasen Johnson of Scottsville, KY, on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 1106 State St., Bowling Green, KY. The visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the memorial service at noon.
Kathie went to Heaven on January 27, 2024, following a brief, but hard-fought, illness. Born February 20, 1942, Kathie was the daughter of the late Albert and Mary Scott Gasen. A graduate of Virden High School in Macoupin County, IL, she later earned an associates degree at Pearl River Community College in Mississippi. She held a variety of jobs, including clerical positions and working as a seamstress. Kathie especially enjoyed being a stay-at-home Mom.

In 1990, Kathie married Clifford D. Johnson Sr., the love of her life, whom she'd met while square dancing in Virginia Beach, VA. Together, they shared their faith, family and many common interests, including traveling to dozens of states, as well as Norway, Nicaragua, Mexico and Canada; hiking in numerous national and state parks (into her 80s); exploring museums, monuments and historic sites; reading; square and round dancing and music. During retirement, the couple volunteered with and led projects for NOMADS, using their skills and spreading God's love to help rebuild lives, homes and facilities across the country. They also assisted daughter, Julie, with her mission work in Nicaragua.

Kathie and Cliff served as elders and deacons in their church and earned diplomas from the School of Theology, University of the South, after their four-year commitment to Education for Ministry classes. They helped with many activities at church, particularly those involving youth, and with Habitat for Humanity. An organ donor, Kathie blessed her son, Joe, with a kidney in 2004.

Kathie enjoyed crafts and sewing and was a talented seamstress. She made quilts for Hospice and others, even during her last weeks. Family and friends over the years received treasured handmade gifts, including beautiful quilts, afghans, baby blankets and bibs, dresses, costumes and other clothing, table runners and curtains, cross stitch samplers and more. She was surprised to learn the heirloom lace and satin christening dress and bonnet she made for her granddaughter was entered in the Menard County Fair in Petersburg, IL, where it was awarded a first-place blue ribbon. She won ribbons for other stitchery items, too.

Her grandchildren looked forward to the many postcards their Grandma Johnson sent from places near and far. She often reminisced about RV trips taken with them, as well as her nephews, to Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills. She cherished the memories she made with her family - from a visit to see Aunt Fay Young with her sisters, to a recent trip to see niece Amy and family, and a special mother/daughter weekend in Branson, MO, with Julie, Tammy and Sandy, or annual treks to Texas and Louisiana to catch up with her brother and grandsons. She loved every minute spent with new great-grandson, Lincoln, and thought he was "amazing."

In addition to her beloved husband, Cliff, and gentle dog, Socks, Kathie is survived by sons, Bruce (Ann) Gorman of Petersburg, IL, and Joe (Tammy) Gorman of Jerseyville, IL; daughter, Julie JoBryce of Godfrey, IL; grandchildren, Nathan Gorman of Springfield, IL; Kaitlyn (Quinton) Smith of Greenview, IL; Vicky (Thomas) Cloonen of Clovis, NM; Chance and Eric Johnson of Hammond, LA, and great-grandson, Lincoln Smith of Greenview, IL. She also is survived by three sisters and a brother: Cynthia (Paul) Proefrock of Manchester, MO; Jeannie Scott of Chatham, IL; Kay Thenhaus of St. Louis, MO; and Jeff (Carla) Gasen of Sherman, TX, as well as numerous nieces,
nephews and cousins.

Kathie was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Karen Landers; brothers-in-law, Rich Landers, Ron Thenhaus and Bill Scott; and stepson, Cliff Johnson, Jr.

Family and friends attending the memorial service are encouraged to bring the handmade gifts they received from Kathie and any pictures to display. Donations in lieu of flowers may be directed to Hotel Inc., 1005 Boatlanding Rd., Bowling Green, KY 42101, whose mission is to help "ensure all people have security through safe, affordable housing, healthcare and nutritious food," or to the First Christian Church of Bowling Green.

Cremation was accorded. Johnson-Vaughn-Phelps Funeral Home in Bowling Green has assisted the family.