Ernest J. "Ernie" Johnson

A graveside funeral service, for Ernest J. Ernie Johnson, age 76, of Newark, will be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 275 N. Cedar Street, Newark. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Service, 179 Granville Street, Newark. Ernie was born in Newark, Ohio on April 1, 1941 to the late Ernest W. and Ethel (Barnes) Johnson. He passed away at Licking Memorial Hospital on August 29, 2017. Prior to retirement, he was as an equipment operator for the city of Newark, working at Cedar Hill Cemetery, for 49 years. He enjoyed mushroom hunting, working, watching western movies and was an avid cat lover. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and will be missed by everyone that knew him. Survivors include his loving wife, Ruth A. (Stinard) Johnson, whom he married in December 1990; children, Gloria Jean Stirk, Mary Margaret Rutherford and Robert H. Johnson; step-son, Jack W. (Joann F.) Carrothers; sister, Betty Evans; best friends, Jeff Hotchkiss and Tim Hoover; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Garnett Lee Johnson; granddaughter, Laura Nicole Stirk; step granddaughter, Dana Anderson; and son-in-law, Wayne Rutherford. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ernie to Licking County Humane Society, 825 Thornwood Drive, Heath, Ohio 43056.Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Service is honored to care for Ernie and the Johnson family.