Kay L. Johnson

Kay L. Johnson passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Friday, September 18, 2026 at the age of 87. She was born to Clifford and Theresa Racht (Kellachow) in South Canaan, Pennsylvania on March 30, 1939. Born and raised in South Canaan, she happily returned in 1980 to build a home on a piece of the family homestead.  Her husband, Arthur W. Johnson preceded her in death on September 27, 2025.

Kay was passionate about education and literacy. She especially loved sharing that passion with the youngest learners at R.D. Wilson Elementary School as her role as, "Mrs. Johnson", a teacher's aide. Some of her fondest moments were sharing the joy of imagination and bringing learning alive through her reading of Old Black Witch and baking of gingerbread cookies each year.

Kay will be remembered by her family for the loving home she created, the delicious food she cooked and beautiful gardens she tended. The holidays will always remind us of her; the warmth and memories created in the home she and Arthur built stone by stone together stay treasured in all of our hearts.

Kay is survived by her three daughters, Amanda M. Johnson (Bob Buli) of South Canaan, PA, Gwendolyn Keenan of Connecticut, and Susan L. Curtis (Steve Curtis) of South Canaan, PA. Also surviving are grandchildren Andrea Mrowka (Nathaniel), Stephanie Laird (Michael), Michelle Mink Trestini (Daniel), Shanna Resetar (Chad), Alaina Lengner (Michael), Alexander Curtis and Nickolas Curtis as well as great grandchildren Elijah, Serene, Braelynn, Paxton, Charlie, Emmiline, and Hannah. Kay also precedes her brothers, William, Alfred and Edwin Racht; Shirley (Racht) Clift, Alicia (Racht) Hawk , Phyllis (Racht) Krajkovich; as well as, a large extended family.

In addition to her husband, Kay was also preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Theresa Racht (Kellachow); a brother Robert Racht; parents-in-law, Arthur and Jennie (Bullis) Johnson; brothers-in-law, Marvin Hawk, Dwight Johnson, Paul Krajkovich, and Wyland Clift; sisters-in-law, Janice (Calton) Johnson, Esther (Olver) Racht, Kathy (Mark) Racht, and Vivian (Johnson) Peck; a niece, Janet Johnson; nephews, PJ Krajkovich, Wayne Johnson, Jr., David Racht; and a son-in-law Richard Keenan.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations be made to the Waymart Volunteer Fire Company, PO Box 186, Waymart, PA 18472.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary's Church, 242 Carbondale Road, Waymart, with Rev. Joseph Sitko and Deacon Edward Kelly officiating. Everyone attending is asked to go directly to the church on Monday.

Family and friends may attend calling hours on Sunday, September 20, 2026 from 5-7 PM at the funeral home.

Interment will be Monday in the East Canaan Cemetery, South Canaan.

Services are entrusted to Howell Family Funeral Home, Inc. Edward Howell, Funeral Director, 269 Belmont Street, Waymart PA 18472.