Reta Johnson

Reta J. Johnson, 100, formerly of Sheffield, passed away at Liberty Village, Princeton on Thursday, December 10, 2020.

Reta was born on May 26, 1920 in Alba Township, Atkinson, the daughter of Frank and Blanche (Hulslander) DeSplinter.  She married Clifford “Buzz” Johnson on December 28, 1944 in Colona, IL.  He died on September 12, 2007.

“Miss Reta” taught many students dance and tumbling in many different locations over the years.  She was known for her acrobatic groups, The Flying Jets and the Rolling “G’s” and for starting the tumbling program at the Kewanee YMCA.  She was a strict teacher but always got results.

Reta was raised in a musical family where she played the piano, her twin brother Bob played banjo, and brother Francis guitar and they performed along with tap dancing at many area programs.  Many family gatherings were enjoyed with them entertaining in their adult years.

Reta was a devout prayer warrior attending bible study for over 30 years.  She belonged to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sheffield and was a Eucharistic Minister.  She loved being with family and friends and dancing with her husband at the Flemish Club, Kewanee on Saturday nights.  She loved cooking and sending treats to her grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda (Ron) Wright, Sheffield and a son Chris (Karen Quinn) Johnson, Oceanside, CA; grandson Scott (Amy) Wright, Sheffield; great-grandchildren, Tanner Meyer Wright, Isabelle, Sam, and Emily Wright; along with many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, “Buzz”, grandson, Brian Wright; twin brother, Robert DeSplinter, and brother, Francis DeSplinter.

Due to covid restrictions and concerns Private Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, December 14th at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sheffield.  Father Mark Miller will officiate.  Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Sheffield.  No visitation will be held.  Stackhouse-Moore Funeral & Cremation Services, Sheffield is assisting the family.  Memorials may be made to St. Patrick’s Church, St. Patrick’s Cemetery, or to Sheffield Rescue Unit.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Liberty Village, Princeton for their care of Reta.