SKOWHEGAN – Bessie Ethel (Merrill) Johnson, 95, a longtime resident of Cedar Ridge Nursing Home, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022 with her family by her side. She was born in Sidney, on July 18, 1927, the daughter of the late Edward C. Merrill and Agnes Beckim.

Bessie married the love of her life, Phil Johnson. They were married for 74 years, and at the time of her death, he was still holding her hand.

Bessie graduated from Solon High School and the Skowhegan Business School and worked many years in the shoe shops. While working there, she won a trip to the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City, which was an exciting time for her. She enjoyed camping at Old Orchard Beach and getting that perfect tan. Her generosity extended to raising her nephew after her sister, Flora, passed away. Bessie Was a snow bird and loved living in Florida where she learned how to line dance. She took many bus trips touring around Florida. She was an avid shopper with her sisters-in-law, Clara Gilbert and Kay Johnson. She played cards on the weekends with friends and relatives. She loved putting puzzles together. If you stopped by her house there was always one on the table ready to be put together. Her favorite quote was, “Don’t get old”, and “I need a new body”.

She is survived by her husband of 74 years, Phil Johnson; three children, Mrs. Barbara Clement of Norridgewock, Cyp Johnson and wife Cindy of Madison, and Ned Johnson and wife Michele of Windham; five grandchildren, Robin Clement and friend Bruce Ruzzoli of Norridgewock, Corey Johnson and wife Staci of Skowhegan, Jason Johnson of San Francisco, Ryan Clement of Norridgewock, and Lisa Johnson of New York City; four great-grandchildren, Dominic and Daxton Godino and Caleb and Sarah Johnson.

She was predeceased by her mother at the age of 3 in 1930 and was raised by an aunt in the Augusta area. Her father died in 1954. She also was predeceased by her half-brother, Elbridge Merrill and a son-in-law, Dick Clement.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022 at 1 p.m. at Notre Dam de Lourdes Church, Skowhegan.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan ME 04976.

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