Sheila M. Johns

 Sheila M. Johns, age 83, of Mt. Sterling, passed away August 9, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Sheila lived most of her life in Mt. Sterling, Ohio where she was a beloved member of the community who annually dressed up as the Easter Bunny, the Wicked Witch, and as Mrs. Claus to help pass out candy to all the kids from Mt. Sterling. She loved her job as a dispatcher at the Mt. Sterling Police Department and formed many life-long friendships during her 20+ years there.

She was a proud Canadian. Born in Ottawa, she grew up in Renfrew, Ontario before moving to North Fairfield, Ohio to live with her beloved Aunt Edna and Uncle Earl. She attended Penn State her freshman year where she was a member of the rifle team.

She was THE most compassionate “I’m doing it my way.” woman who knew no strangers. She was an avid community volunteer, a voracious reader, a truck driver, a car enthusiast, a football mom (Go Eagles!), and an all-around freethinker. She loved animals—it didn’t matter to her whether they flew, swam, or ran. She was an accomplished horsewoman and a former dog club 4-H leader while living in Ashville, Ohio. While raising her kids she was both a sage advisor and “Figure it out on your own.” motivator. Sheila’s true love was family, and she spent most of her time worrying about each loved one—making sure they all had what they needed for the life journey they’d chosen.

Sheila was preceded in death by her father Orville Watson and her mother Edna (Laronde) Peterson; stepfather Paul Peterson, her first husband George Kirk; father-in-law Bobbie Johns (Uncle Bobo) and mother-in-law Linda Johns, stepdaughter Joyce Schoonover; grandson Ronald Smith and granddaughter Jo-Ellen Tschappat.

She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Jeff Johns; sons George Kirk (Juanita), John Kirk (Maria), Kelly Kirk (Kirsten), Gabriel Johns (Brandy) and daughter Samantha Green (Phil); stepdaughters Sherry Kirk and Connie (Kirk) Hall. Grandchildren, Holly Morgan, Emily (Kirk) Masterman, Joel Kirk, Anya (Kirk) Deutsch (Jonathan), Aiden Kirk, Devon Johns, Zoë Allison, Lyric Johns, Jade Johns, Shelly (Schoonover) Christy, Brenda Schoonover, Lisa Smith, Bobby Smith. Great grandchildren Alyssa Ebner, Austin Ebner, Kenny Townsend, Mack Morgan, Isabella Deutsch, and Sophia Deutsch.

Family will receive friends from 1:00p.m.-3:00 p.m. on SATURDAY, AUGUST 24, 2024 at the PORTER-TIDD FUNERAL HOME, 331 West Main Street, Mt. Sterling, OH 43143 (740)-869-2777 where her Memorial Service will follow at 3:00p.m.

Flowers may be sent to the Porter-Tidd Funeral Home, 331 W. Main St., Mt. Sterling, OH 43143. Please visit www.portertiddfuneralhome.com to share your favorite memories and to send your condolences to the family.