Services
Obituary
Guest Book
1924
2016
Dr. Dorothy Jane Rensch Johnson (Dotty) of Huntington died September 21, 2016 at Woodlands Retirement Community. She was the daughter of the late Robert H. and Ruth Esther Ross Rensch and the widow of C. Bosworth Johnson. Dotty was born May 3, 1924, in Schenectady, New York, and grew up in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, PA. She received her A.B. degree from Wheaton (IL) College, M.A. from Northwestern University, M.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, and PhD. from The Ohio State University. Following early broadcasting jobs with WRGB-TV in Schenectady and WMAQ-Radio in Chicago, and service with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, she enlisted as a missionary with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and served in Bangkok, Thailand, teaching in the Wattana Wittaya Academy. Upon her return to the United States, she became an instructor in broadcasting at West Virginia University where she met and later married Bos Johnson. After raising five children, Dotty returned to higher education, teaching for 28 years at Marshall University, where she chaired the Department of Speech for 16 years. She retired from Marshall in 1991 and spent the next nine years as a tax preparer for H&R Block. She wrote both national (CBS) and state network radio scripts as a free-lance writer, and in 1984 was named Frank Stanton Fellow by the International Radio-Television Society. The following year she was honored as West Virginia Press Woman of the Year. In 2007, Dotty was inducted into the WV Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Dotty served as Treasurer of Huntington Habitat for Humanity, Board Member of the Marshall University Library Associates, Board Member of Goodwill Industries, founding Board Member and Treasurer of Contact, and Elder and Sunday School teacher at the First Presbyterian Church. Earlier she had served for many years on the boards of Barnett Child Care Center and the Huntington Ad Club. Dotty’s life-long concern for campus ministry was reflected by service as a staff member of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship throughout Oregon, Board Member for the Marshall University Campus Christian Center, Board Member and Treasurer for Westminster Foundation, and member of the Presbyterian Campus Christian Ministry. Dr. Johnson is survived by her five children: Dr. Elizabeth Johnson (Mrs. Peter Paulsen), Decatur, GA; Carol Anne (Mrs. Thomas Walton), Louisville, KY; Susan, Charlotte, NC; Janice (Mrs. Michael Lanning), Lexington, NC; Rob (Mary Johnson), Huntington, WV. She is also survived by nine grandchildren - Adam Bair, Jacquelyn Whisenant, Max Lanning, Drew Lanning, Matthew Walton, Reese Walton, Grace Paulsen, Sarah Paulsen and Ginny Johnson, as well as her sister and brother-in-law Roberta and Hadden Smith of Newtown Square, PA, and her brother Dr. Calvin Rensch of Oro Valley, AZ.
A Celebration of Dotty’s life will be held 1:30 p.m. Sunday, October 9, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church by the Rev. Skip Seibel. A gathering of family and friends will follow at 2:15 p.m. at the church. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Marshall University Campus Christian Center, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV. The family would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to the staff of Woodlands Retirement Community and its Health Care unit for their loving care of Dotty. Special thanks to Dr. Cindy Pinson, and the wonderful staff in Health Care. You earned crowns in Heaven for the care and love you gave Dotty, especially at the end of her life. Family Guest book at www.klingelcarpenter.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
October 11, 2016
Brian Jackson
Very sorry to hear this. Will always be grateful for how she treated me and the things I was taught
October 6, 2016
Ruth C. Sullivan
Our family's thoughts go out to yours. Dotty was always a force to be reckoned with, and delightful company to be with.
October 6, 2016
Gary Wilson
I enjoyed knowing Dotty and having her as a graduate school instructor. Dotty lit up a room with her spirit and attitude.
October 6, 2016
Bill & Martha Deel
Martha and I remember Dorothy as a colleague at Marshall and as a teacher of our daughter Susan. Dorothy was always cheerful, friendly, and mindful of her students. Our prayers are with you during this time of loss.
October 3, 2016
Charlotte Hoschar Nixon
I am deeply sorry for the loss your family is suffering. But I rejoice that her soul is set free
October 2, 2016
Billy Beach
To Rob and family
So sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother. Earths loss is heavens gain. You and yours are in my prayers.
September 29, 2016
My sincere sympathy and prayers to Dotty's children. She was a wonderful person and a true friend. Charles Harper
September 27, 2016
Your mother was a treasure. Love and condolences to the Johnson five and their families.
In Christ,
Allison (Henry) Farley
September 27, 2016
Janet Dooley
Please accept my sympathy. Bos and Dotty were both great colleagues and friends at Marshall. Dotty and I worked together many years in the Advertising Club of Huntington. We discussed, we debated and we laughed a lot. She will be missed.
September 24, 2016
Brenda Keys
Love and prayers to the whole Johnson family on the death of Mrs. Johnson. Many fond memories of growing up next door to your family on 10th Avenue! Blessings to you all.
September 23, 2016
Please accept my condolences, may the family find comfort @ Issiah 25:8,AJ
September 23, 2016
Betty McIntee
Dear Carol, Tom, and Family,
The obituary described a woman who lived a full life rich in service to God and community. What an example for all of you! I hope warm memories will give you comfort as you walk through the journey of saying goodbye and honoring her with your plans to celebrate her life. Love to you, Betty McIntee
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more