Karen Leigh Johnson, age 69, of Sandusky, died Saturday, July 1, 2023, at Admiral's Pointe, Huron, after a long battle with diabetes and affects of DKA.

She was born May 5, 1954, in Sandusky, and was a 1972 graduate of Margaretta High School.  Being the oldest child in the family, Karen took great care of her younger siblings when their parents were away.  She started her career at the Erie County Health Department the very next day after graduating high school in 1972, under Don Ledwell, finishing as the WIC coordinator until her retirement in 2005.  Karen was a smiling fixture at the Elizabeth Arden Cosmetic counter in Macy's department store in the Sandusky Mall for many years.  She was a member of the Sandusky Ski Club, with her husband John, and she received the President's Appreciation Award 1987-1988.  She enjoyed the many trips to Clinchco, VA, with her parents Jim and Joyce and enjoyed catching up on the latest with cousins and friends while there.

She is survived by 2 sisters Robin (Owen) Morey of Huron, and Lisa (Randall) Stasiak of Mesa, AZ; 2 brothers James (Nancy) Johnson of Castalia, and John (Lorie) Johnson of Sandusky; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Karen was preceded in death by the love of her life, husband John T. Johnson, in 1991; parents James and Joyce (Hillman) Johnson; and brother James B. Johnson Jr.

Friends may call from 4 PM until time of services at 7 PM, Thursday July 6, 2023, at Ransom Funeral & Cremation Service, 610 S. Washington St., Castalia.  Pastor Harvey Studer will officiate.  Burial will be in Castalia Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Back to the Wild, PO Box 423, Castalia, OH 44824, Erie County Humane Society, 1911 Superior St. Sandusky, OH 44870, or to One's favorite charity.  Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.ransomfuneralhome.com