by Karen Mead-Elford, staff writer
THESE FOUR JOHNSON SIBLINGS are (from left) Frank Johnson (91), Edna Meadows (97), Erma Criner (100), and Ellen Waggoner (95). They enjoyed greeting family and community members during their open house at the Chapin Township Hall last Saturday.(Independent Photos/Karen Mead-Elford)
An open house celebration was held at the Chapin Township Hall on Peet Rd. in Rush Township, last Saturday, Aug. 6, to honor four siblings that are now all in their 90s. In fact, the oldest sibling will soon be turning 100. Her name is Erma Burdine (Johnson) (Kennedy) Criner and her birthday is in November. Her sisters are Edna Sarah (Johnson) Meadows and Ellen (Johnson) Waggoner, 97 and 95, respectively, followed by youngest brother, Frank Johnson, who at about 91-years-old, was born in 1925. Another brother, Cyrus Johnson, passed in May of 2006. He was born in 1923.
Erma, who was born at home under the assistance of her Grandma Washburn, managed to graduate high school and continue on to college, where she eventually became a teacher. Closing in on her 100th birthday, she still very much enjoys playing cards, reading books, and is reputed to be the “senior Olympic champ of puzzles,” according to a relative.
A large number of friends, family, and previous students visited with the Johnson siblings during the afternoon open house.
A cake displaying a photo of the centennial family farm on Fenmore Rd. was enjoyed by everyone. Yes, the Johnson family farm is also 100-years-old.
