Miriam Johnson

Miriam Mae DeGroat Johnson, age 87, of Germantown, OH, passed away Sunday January 12th, 2025 in Miamisburg, OH. She was born to the late Irvin and Hester (Whitehead) DeGroat in German Township, Montgomery County, OH on November 20th, 1937. Miriam's childhood was spent on the family farm where she developed a deep love of animals. She attended Germantown Elementary, Junior High and then graduated from Germantown High School, Class of 1955. She married the love of her life Roger Matthews in 1960. They were married for 6 years before his untimely death in 1966. Miriam spent the majority of her career working for Montgomery County as the Administrative Assistant to Commissioner Chuck Curren. After her retirement, she thoroughly enjoyed her role at the Germantown Historical Society, always willing to give a tour of the Society. She enjoyed the annual events in Germantown, and traveling to California to visit her son and his family. Miriam was a member of Union Chapel United Methodist Church in Middletown, OH and was very involved with the choir and even the children's choir later in her own life. She loved old church hymns and she is often remembered for singing 'Oh Holy Night' at Christmas Services. Her interests included spending time with her family, making memories with her grandkids, waving to or chatting with people from her front porch on Market Street, walking the neighbors dogs, watching or attending sporting events and attending movies, plays, the pretzel festival and family gatherings. She loved the old farm and always carried many cherished memories from her days there. She is preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Roger, her beloved sister Mildred (Don) Denlinger, her sister Anna and her husband Gerald Cottongim. Miriam is survived by her son Michael (Molly) Johnson, her 3 adored grandchildren, Michael (Emily), Mason and Makiah Johnson, her sister Janet (Mark) Shaw and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members who will miss her dearly. The family will receive friends for a visitation on Friday, January 17th, 2025 from 5-7 pm at the Arpp, Root & Carter Funeral Home, 29 N Main St. Germantown. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 18th, at 10:00am at the Germantown Methodist Church, 525 Farmersville Pike, Germantown, OH with burial to follow at Highland Memorial Cemetery.