Mary Ruth Wheaton

Mary Ruth “O.W.” (Friedrich) Johnson-Wheaton, 81, of Jackson, passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2019, at the Monticello House in Jackson.

She was born November 16, 1937, in Jackson, to Robert C. and Ollie L. Seabaugh Friedrich, Sr.  She married James Johnson and two sons were born to their union. 

Mary worked at the former Jackson Hosiery Mill and was a retiree of the former Thorngate in Cape Girardeau.  She also worked in several establishments in Cape Girardeau, including Candlewick, Kingsway, and Brothers II lounges

She was a member of Emanuel United Church of Christ in Jackson and was a former Worthy Matron of Order of Eastern Star Chapter 91 in Jackson.  Mary’s brother, Jon Friedrich, owns and flies hot air balloons.  Mary and her friend, Tom Miller, especially enjoyed spotting and chasing for Jon.  She also like to camp, ride motorcycles, and watch Nascar races.  She was an avid fan of Tony Stewart.

Loving survivors include two sons, Craig (Kathy) Johnson of Yucaipa, California and Jim (Mary B.) Johnson of Jackson; four granddaughters, Keisha Johnson of O’Fallon, Missouri, Roxane (Patrick) Bond of Cedar Pines Park, California, Cheyenne Johnson (Bryan Antrim) of Corona, California, and Misty (Jeremy) Benear of Wentzville, Missouri; a step-granddaughter, Nikia (Justin) Asbridge of Scott City and their family; seven great-grandchildren, Grayson Antrim, Peyten Bond, Autumn and Alyah Kelly, Angel Johnson, and Reagan and Madison Benear; a brother, Jon P. Friedrich (Brenda Proffer) of Gordonville; longtime friend, Tom Miller of Millersville, Missouri and his daughter, Traci (Mike) Grunloh of Jackson; nephews, John, Eric, Rob, and Chris Friedrich; former husband, Jim (Sally) Johnson of Millersville, and their daughter, Ashley (Joe) McGinnis of Homestead, Florida.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Robert C. (Pat) Friedrich, Jr.; and former father-in-law and mother-in-law, Floyd and Iva Johnson.

Visitation is from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m., Sunday, March 10, 2019, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson, with an Eastern Star service at 5:15 p.m.  Visitation continues from 10 a.m. to service time, Monday, March 11, 2019, at Emanuel United Church of Christ in Jackson.

The funeral is at 11 a.m., Monday, March 11, 2019, at the church, with the Revs. Joe Rowley and Sam Roethemeyer officiating.  Burial will follow at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to Emanuel United Church of Christ.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.

Please check back for a full obituary on Thursday March 7th after 4:00p.m. 

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