Onita D. Johnson, 88, North Manchester, died at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016, at Timbercrest Healthcare Center, North Manchester.

She was born in North Manchester on Aug. 9, 1927, to Clure and Linnie (Hallgarth) Jerew, both deceased. She graduated from Central High School, North Manchester, in 1945, and from Manchester College in 1949. She married Lewis ‘Louie” E. Johnson on Aug. 21, 1949. He died Oct. 29, 2001. She was a member of Manchester Church of the Brethren.

Onita is survived by daughters: Nancy Moore, Fort Wayne; and Judy (Mark) Dudeck, Wilmington, N.C.; and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one brother and two sisters.

Onita had an infectious zest for life, described by most as spunky and energetic. As a young girl, she developed a love for music and athletics that she carried her entire life. She graduated from Manchester University in 1949 with degrees in Music, Physical Education and English, later receiving a Master’s degree in Physical Education from Saint Francis University in Fort Wayne. Onita had a passion for teaching. After beginning her career at Sidney and Akron High Schools, she spent 30 years as a professor and later Chair of the Physical Education Department at Manchester University.

She was dedicated to professionalizing physical education, health and recreation in the classroom, gymnasium and playing field. Her students learned by example through Onita’s integrity, genuineness and servanthood. Onita’s first commitment was to her family where they enjoyed camping and other outdoor activities. She was an outstanding seamstress and loved sewing for her daughters and later for her grandchildren. She loved to give to others and in her later years, enjoyed making treats for Timbercrest staff on a routine basis. Known for her hugs, Onita brought smiles to the faces of those around her.

Calling will be from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, at Manchester Church of the Brethren. The funeral will begin at 3 p.m. Saturday, officiated by Pastor Kurt Borgmann.

Memorials may be made to Manchester University- with note in Memory of Onita Johnson.