Carlotta Johnson 1931-2021

Carlotta J. Keesis Johnson, 89, passed away April 14, 2021, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence.

Carlotta, known as Carla, was born Sept. 18, 1931, on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation to Bernard and Susan (Moore) Keesis. She was raised on the Potawatomi Reservation and in Holton, and was a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. She attended Marty Indian School in Marty, S.D., through high school. Carla was one of 10 children and was affectionately called “Tiny” by her siblings and family members.

She married James R. Peters and they had three sons; Patrick Drebick of Bremerton, Wash., James H. Peters of Tacoma, Wash. and Larry Peters of Topeka.

She later married the love of her life, Ross Johnson, and they raised Jim and Larry in Topeka and Salina. Carla and Ross enjoyed many family vacations and simple times of just sitting on the porch together until Ross’ death in 1977.

Carla worked at the Kansas State Treasurer’s Office and Ray Beers clothing store in downtown Topeka. Carla used to joke that she never made any money from her work at Ray Beers because Ross was always buying a new suit with her employee discount. After Ross’ death, she returned to Topeka and retired from the Department of Revenue. She always enjoyed her work, her coworkers and believed in doing the best job possible.

Carla is survived by her sister, Patricia; her sons, Patrick (Chris), Jim (Onica) and Larry (Deb); as well as her grandchildren, Hannah, Seth, Hiram (Barbra), Sarah and two great-grandchildren.

Private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Inurnment will be held at Shipshee Cemetery. Mercer Funeral Home in Holton is in charge of arrangements. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com

(PAID OBITUARY)