Marilyn (Cook) Johnson

Born on July 12, 1930 in Akron, Ohio to the late Charles F. and Ethel M. Cook, Marilyn passed away on June 09, 2024 at not quite 94 years young in Circleville, Ohio while recovering from bi-lateral hip surgery.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents and her three older brothers Charles, Cliff and Jim.  She is survived by her Husband of 70 years, Robert M. Johnson, and their children Virginia (Richard) Davis, Kathleen (Joel) Sassa,  Paul (Carol) Johnson, Eric Johnson (Betty Lippold) and Patricia (Mike) Rothe.   Marilyn had 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one more on the way.

Marilyn graduated from North High School-Akron in 1948, the Akron General School of Nursing in 1951, and enlisted in the United States Air Force – Strategic Air Command in 1952.  While serving as a Registered Nurse at Turner AFB (Albany, Georgia) she met the love of her life.  After a short engagement, they married in 1954 and then returned to Circleville with Robert to start a family, careers and a business together.

As an RN, Cookie worked locally at Berger Hospital (where all five of her children were delivered), Pickaway Manor, and Sunbridge Nursing Center (now Circleville Post Acute) on Atwater Avenue.  A proud Air Force Veteran, she also served her community in various volunteer roles including Planned Parenthood, The American Red Cross, The Hospital Gift Shop, Children’s Hospital in Columbus and the Community United Methodist Church-Circleville.  Marilyn also volunteered at her local polling station and was active in the Pickaway County Republican Party.

Marilyn’s life was centered around balancing her career and her family.  Robert and Marilyn enjoyed above all else their family and dear friends.  Cookie’s passion was serving others, from food to caregiving, to simple words of wisdom or a caring touch.  Marilyn and Robert shared distinctly different marital roles but those were also intertwined around a fundamental goal of serving their community and family. As the spouse of a Rotarian husband, she lived the Rotary motto of “Service above Self”.

While raising an active family, they provided opportunities for the children to receive college educations.  Marilyn traveled extensively overseas, boated all around the Great Lakes with Robert on their power boats (even completing the “Great Loop”), and enjoyed friendships both locally as well as around Lake Erie and Florida.  Marilyn had a wonderful talent to make relationships quickly and enjoyed conversations with friends both old and new.

Robert and the Johnson family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the Doctors, nurses and staff at Berger-Ohio Health, and the same at Wyngate for all the love and tender compassions with Marilyn.  Words cannot sufficiently express our gratitude.

Calling hours will be at Wellman Funeral Home from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. on Saturday,  June 22, 2024.  Service to follow at the funeral home at 2:00 P.M.  Private interment services will be in Forest Cemetery.  Donations in Marilyn’s honor can be made to Planned Parenthood or Berger-Ohio Health.