Katherine Olivia Sands Johnson, 94, formerly of 119 Russell Street, died Thursday, May 10, 2018, at UPMC Hamot Medical Center. She was a resident of the Rouse Home for the past two years. Daughter of the late Gerald L. and Olive Ramburg Sands, Katherine was born July 1, 1923, and raised in Chandlers Valley.

Kay was a 1941 graduate of Sugar Grove High School, where she excelled in basketball. She graduated from Hoff's Business College and worked as a secretary for a brief time before starting a family.

She was a longtime member of the Grace United Methodist Church and enjoyed many hobbies including gardening, cooking, puzzles, photography, and knitting. She was a very talented seamstress as well. Always up for an outing, she enjoyed many trips to Starbucks for a latte and a ride through the "Valley." She kept her great sense of humor until the end. Above all else, Katherine devoted herself to her family and especially loved to spend time with her grandchildren, one of whom recently described her as "the person I credit most for my survival and well being. In the toughest years of my life, she supported me no matter how far out my politics, hair or lifestyle. She was proud of me for my non-traditional path and for following my heart to the success I have achieved. None of it would have been possible without her."

She is survived by her daughter--Donna K. Holding, and husband, James, of Warren--and son Douglas D. Johnson, and wife, Dawn, of Ashville, NY; five grandchildren: Cory Holding, of Pittsburgh, Ethan Johnson, of Buffalo, James Holding, of Pittsburgh, Lindsey Johnson, of Albuquerque, and Dane Holding, of Boston. She is also survived by one great-granddaughter and several dear nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death on August 30, 2002, by her husband, Donald W. Johnson, whom she married November 10, 1945 and her sister, Dorothy Beedle, who died on May 19, 2006.

Public services will not be observed. A private service will be held for the family on Friday, May 18th. Burial will be in Warren County Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial contribution should consider Friends of the Rouse, 701 Rouse Ave, Youngsville, PA 16371; Paws Along the River, 212 Elm St, Warren, PA 16365; or the Grace United Methodist Church, 501 Penn. Ave. E., Warren, PA 16365.