Rhoda Johnson, lovingly known as “Butch,” passed away peacefully on May 12, 2025, at WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital following a brief illness. She was 82 years old. Rhoda was the devoted wife of Leo “Dan” Johnson, with whom she shared over 64 years of love and partnership.
Born on April 23, 1943, in Eagles Mere, PA, Rhoda was the daughter of the late George Amos and Harriet Hildigard (Houseknecht) Smith. The youngest of five siblings, she attended Sonestown High School. At the age of 17, she married Dan on Oct. 22, 1960. Together, they built a life in Newmanstown, PA, raising three children and creating a home filled with love, laughter, and good food.
Rhoda was a proud homemaker, a talented crafter, and an avid lover of the outdoors and all animals, especially her pets. She enjoyed sewing, hunting, and spending time at the family cabin in Nordmont, PA. Above all, Rhoda cherished her time with family, especially hosting the beloved Johnson Christmas in July celebration at her home.
She is survived by her husband, Dan Johnson; sisters, Carol “Rosie” Bigger, of Selinsgrove, PA, and Elaine “Sis” Mudrick, of Eagles Mere, PA; children, Leo “Mike” Johnson (Julie), of Newmanstown, PA, Shawn Johnson (Kelly) Eagles, of Mere, PA, and Danielle “Danni” Emenheiser (Tom), of Dallastown, PA; grandchildren known as “Pap’s six pack,” Kendall Achey (Billie), Abby Thompson (Joe), Jake Johnson (Chelsey), Luke Johnson, Jesse Johnson (Diane), and Dylan Updegraff (Michael); great-grandchildren, Averi Thompson, Levi Johnson, Barrett Achey, Jameson Johnson, Riley Johnson, Kimberlynn Johnson, Braelyn Achey, and Elliott Johnson; and loving dog, Grace. She is also remembered by many loving nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
Rhoda was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Dixie Schrader and George “Skip” Smith Jr.; in-laws, Sonny Bigger, Paul Mudrick, and Florence Smith; granddaughter, Mae Emenheiser; and very special pets, Duffy, Dixie, Charlie, and Grumpy.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Grose Funeral Home in Myerstown, PA. A memorial service will be held at the Eagles Mere Community Church, 915 LaPorte Ave., Eagles Mere, PA. 17731, on May 31, 2025. A visitation with family will begin at 9:30 a.m., with a memorial service to begin at 11 a.m. A luncheon will immediately follow the service. Interment at Cherry Grove Church will take place privately at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association, P.O. Box 70360, Philadelphia, PA 19176-0360, or the Humane Society of Lebanon County, 150 N. Ramona Road, Myerstown, PA 17067.
