IN MEMORIAM:  Kittie Johnson, 57; Folk Artist

MIDDLEFIELD –  Kittie Leslie Johnson, 57, a folk artist here in Middlefield, died peacefully at Bassett Hospital on Friday.

Kittie was born in Fulton, Oswego County, on Aug. 4, 1957, the daughter of Rodney Erwin and Elizabeth Jeanne Johnson.

Upon graduation from SUNY Oneonta in 1980 with a degree in fine arts, she pursued painting full time. Kittie was a familiar face at local art shows and across the entire Northeast, displaying images of an earlier time.  As a decorative painter, her commissions varied from small commemorative pieces to decorated furniture and full-size room murals.

She was a longtime member of Cooper Country Crafts as well as other local artist groups. She was also very active as a volunteer at Bassett and Otsego Manor, visiting and encouraging countless individuals.

Kittie was a member of both the Emmons and Cooperstown Junction United Methodist churches, where she frequently played the organ as well as the flute.

She was well known for her generosity when it came to helping out both local charities and rallying special causes.  As a cancer survivor herself, she could always be found at the Relay for Life events across the region.

Kittie delighted countless numbers of shut-ins with colorful Easter Baskets and Christmas presents.

She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Kevin and uncle Roy Johnson.

Surviving are her sister, Karen Rury (Edward) and their children, Sarah, Jessica (Jason) and Jonathan (Maura); her brother Mark Johnson (Gina) and children Matthew Carr (Heather), Benjamin and Samuel; her brother Seth Johnson (Doreen) and their children, Jessica, Scott (Amanda) and Weston.  She is further survived by grand nieces and nephews Cameran Flint, Elliot and Aidan Rury, Nathan Rury, and Gabriel and Logan Johnson.

A celebration of her life will be offered in the near future.

Kittie will be laid to rest in the family plot in the Ira Union Cemetery on White Cemetery Road in Bowens Corners.

Memorial contributions may be made to either Emmons or Cooperstown Junction Methodist churches.  All gifts should be addressed to Karen Rury, P.O. Box 85, Cherry Valley, NY  13320.

Arrangements are entrusted to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home.