Velma Ruth Johnson

87, of Van Wert, died at 8:50 a.m. Monday, November 7, 2005, at Vancrest Health Care Center in Van Wert.

She was born September 8, 1918, in Dixon, the daughter of the late William Russell and Eva Mae (Densel) Purk. She was first married to Oscar Ray Wise, who died in August 1947. On October 31, 1953, she married Gail Johnson, who died September 13, 1972.

Mrs. Johnson was a 32-year employee of Wilkinson Printing and retired in 1980. She was a 1937 graduate of Van Wert high School and had played basketball while in school.

Survivors include a son, Kenneth Ray Wise of Van Wert; three daughters, Sandra Kay Herber of Fort Wayne, Ind., Sharon Lee (Jim) Roberts of Van Wert and Karen Lou Cashel of Findlay; eight grandchildren, Kim Maxwell, Sherry Herber, Kelly Rooks, Mitchell Roberts, Jeffrey Roberts, Dou Cashel, Lindsay Follas and Nicholas Wise; seven great-grandchildren, Melinda, Reanna, Cecilia, Jerri, Chance, Jarrett and Dalan, and her cousin and best friend, Helen Ortt.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 9, at Brickner Funeral Home in Van Wert, with the Rev. Scott Fleming officiating. Burial will be in IOOF Cemetery in Convoy.

Viewing hours are 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, November 8, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Van Wert County Hospital or a charity of donor's choice.