Martha Caroline (Medley) Johnson

Martha Caroline (Medley) Johnson, 102, formerly of rural Hutsonville, IL, passed away Friday, August 5, 2022, at Ridgeview Care Center in Oblong. She was born on July 29, 1920, in rural Clark County, IL, the first child of Charles Leroy "Roy" Medley & Freda (Hewitt) Medley, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Guy H. Johnson; her youngest son, Evan H. Johnson; and a brother, Robert L Medley.

She is survived by her son, Guy L. Johnson, and his wife, Barbara of Colorado Springs, Colorado; her daughter-in-law, Dianne (Correll) Johnson of Decatur, Illinois; five grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; her brother, James "Jim" Medley of rural West Union, IL; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Martha's education began in the one-room Fishback School in eastern Clark County. She often remembered walking to school and scooting across a log to get to school after heavy rains flooded the road. Later, the family moved to rural Vigo County, IN, where she attended Consolidated Elementary School in western Vigo County and then Concannon High School, rural West Terre Haute.

A severe rash developed on her hands late in her junior year of high school, to such an extent that her hands were wrapped up like boxing gloves. Because of this, Martha depended completely on her mother for her care. Due to the condition of her hands, she was unable to complete her junior year and start her senior year. Had she been able to continue, she would have graduated with the Class of 1936.

In the meantime, the love of her life, Guy H. Johnson, started attending her little church, the White Church in Indiana, next to the Black Cemetery in Illinois. And as has been said, "the rest was history." Guy and Martha were married in White Church in September of 1938, and to this union were born two sons, Guy and Evan. From that point on, Martha dedicated much of her life to caring for her house and all those who called it "home." Her yard was a thing of beauty, and her garden was always alive with color. Though she tended to all types of flowers, she was particularly drawn to the stunning dahlia. Inside, she kept busy crocheting and knitting, with many of her creations finding their way to consignment shops as far as West Terre Haute, Arthur, and Arcola! Back home, she served her community as an election judge for the Democratic Party for many years, a title of which she was particularly proud.

After her husband's passing in February of 1990, Martha lived alone for the next 26 years. She moved to Ridgeview Care Center in Oblong, IL, in July of 2016 and celebrated her 102nd birthday there on July 29, 2022.

Martha was a former and longtime member of Bailiff Cumberland Presbyterian Church, located just west of West York. She will be buried behind the church in Bailiff Cemetery alongside her husband, Guy. Due to Covid, the family thanks everyone for respecting their wishes to try and keep everyone safe. There will be no public visitation, and a private Celebration of Life to commemorate Martha will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of a contribution to "Our Daily Bread" publications, a great source of comfort to Martha over the years. The Prust-Hosch Funeral Home in West Union is in charge of arrangements.