On September 4, 1942, a young mother went into labor. She sent her husband to get the doctor as they did house calls back then. The young woman was alone with her 2 baby boys aged one and two. By the time her husband returned with the doctor in tow, she had already given birth unassisted to her first of many baby girls. She chose to name her bundle of joy Wilma Patricia. In later years, Wilma adopted the nickname “Patty”. A shorter version of her middle name. Patty was adamant that no one call her Wilma. Goodness, but she couldn’t stand that name!
Little Patty spent her early childhood in Mansfield, where she was born. The family later relocated to the Crawford/Morrow County area. Patty met her husband, Harry E. Kinney, when she was 19. The couple resided in Columbus, where Patty remained for several years following the passing of her husband. Patty decided to move back “home” in the early 80’s to be closer to her siblings and parents. She was a resident of Galion for over 40 years. It was in Galion that she suffered injuries serious enough to require she be sent to OSU hospital in Columbus, OH; where she succumbed to those injuries.
Wilma “Patty” Johnson Kinney walked up the stairway to Heaven Sunday, December 15th, 2024. One can only imagine her joy! Patty was an extremely devout Christian who rejoiced in Bible study and praising her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Nothing made her happier than spreading the promise of his return.
Patty followed both her big brother Sonny and her little sister Wanda into the afterlife this year. Three losses for a family this year. Three siblings reunited in eternity. In addition to her husband, Harry, Patty was preceded in death by her parents, Willard E. and Gladys M. (Hollinger) Johnson and her siblings; Willard R. “Sonny” Johnson, Wayne E. Johnson, Warren D. Johnson, William G. Johnson, twins Wanda M. Johnson Lyons & George Willis Johnson, and Wynne Anne Johnson; plus precious nieces and nephews, in-laws, and aunts & uncles
Patty is survived by her brother Walter A. Johnson of Galion and sisters Wanita H. Busler and Wendy S. (Gerald) McFarland of Galion, Waive J. (Bill) Sharp of Bucyrus, Willa E. (Raymond) Barnes of Ravenna KY, and Winifred E. Johnson of Mansfield. Also surviving are dozens of nieces and nephews who were precious to her, many cousins, and one aunt, Gladys Johnson of NC.
Upon moving back “home,” it brought Patty’s heart great joy to have her nieces and nephews take turns spending the night to attend church services/Sunday school with her. She frequently taught Sunday School and delighted in teaching the “little children”. Patty also loved hosting birthday parties (where her made-from-scratch cakes were always a hit) and attending any family get togethers she could. She loved visiting with family and friends whenever possible, even if it was just a lunch at Burger King.
Patty was very good at making cute little crafty items and drawing & coloring. She loved to do so with the little ones. She used her doll collection to enchant the littles as well. She also enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and making her famous spinach pizza. But perhaps her best-known specialty was her cheeseburger cake! Made from scratch and decorated by hand, that cake looked exactly like a cheeseburger! Sure, there were other cakes and goodies she created, but that cheeseburger cake was a fan favorite. She even made those to take to her sister Wanita’s restaurant and share with the patrons. Everyone was delighted to see her creation.
In recent years, Patty’s mobility issues stopped her from getting out much. She kept busy with Bible study and watching her favorite movies. She also enjoyed the company of many dear friends including Julie and Dave, Carol, Deborah, Lori, Stacie, Nahdia, and Sadie to name a few.
And then there was her best friend, Emma. Patty considered Emma to be her Christian sister. Patty became an extended family member to the Emma and Richard Clark family of Columbus. They survive. The Clark children, Rebecca, Richard, and Trina, were as dear to her as her own nieces and nephews. She loved watching them grow up and have families of their own. She remained involved with birthdays and special occasions. Patty and Emma had forged a lifelong friendship.
Patty’s services fall on a very special day, her mother’s birthday: Thursday, December 19th. On this day, her precious Mom would have been 102 years old. Now, that young mother has been reunited with her firstborn daughter. A graveside service will take place at Crawford County Memory Gardens with Pastor Dink officiating.
Those wishing to share a memory of Wilma or send condolences to the Kinney family may do so by visiting www.masfh.com.
The Mark A. Schneider-Gompf Funeral Home, Galion, is honored to serve the family of Wilma “Patty” Kinney.