Rita Marie Johnson, 91, of Chester, Illinois, entered into the presence of her Lord on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Three Springs Senior Living and Rehabilitation, Chester, Illinois.
She was born to the late Raymond F. and Marvel (nee Kintner) Richardson on May 20, 1934 in East St. Louis, Illinois.
She is survived by two sons: Danny Johnson of Osprey, FL, and Rick (Debra) Johnson of Prairie du Rocher, IL; a daughter: Lynette Forth, of Fedora, SD; three grandchildren: Sean (Jessica) Johnson, Heather (Tim) Baskin and Aaron Johnson; five great grandchildren: Isaiah, Scout, Lev, Ian and Connor; a sister: Betty Fernandez; and five nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by her husband and a son: Steven Johnson
Rita lived her life as a preacher’s kid, attending grade schools in East St. Louis and Cutler, Illinois, and high schools in Ava, Illinois, Perryville, Missouri and Vienna, Illinois where she graduated from in 1952.
On July 28, 1952, she was married to Lewis F. Johnson, and to this union were born three sons and one daughter.
Rita was a member of First Baptist Church in Ellis Grove, Illinois. Her life was spent serving Jesus Christ, her Savior as Lord of Lords and King of Kings, and with Him she now resides.
It was Rita’s wish to be cremated.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made in her honor to First Baptist Church, Ellis Grove and are being accepted at Pechacek Funeral Home in Chester.