Marlys Petrie Johnson

Marlys Petrie Johnson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 18, 2023. Marlys was born on August 24, 1937. She and her husband, Richard “Dick” Ray Johnson had just achieved 61 years of marriage on August 16, 2023. Marlys was the devoted mother of Jill (Rex) Coad, Steve (Tambra) Johnson, Erin Branting and Brooke (Steve) Blomberg as well as the loving grandmother, i.e., “Pooh” to 10 adoring grandchildren – Kendall (John) Thurlow, Parker (Taylor) Johnson, Caitlin (Andrew) Stark, Conner (Mindi) Johnson, Brie (Michael) Zagoria, Karlye (Colby) Kelsey, Nickie Branting (Andrew Firkins), Kelly (Taylor) Blomberg, Jillian (Taylor) Wilson & Corbin (Marcus) Houghton. She was blessed to additionally have 14 great grandchildren – Tenley & Tatum Thurlow, Piper & Ridge Johnson, Raleigh & Malachi McMillian, Charlotte & Gentry Stark, Callaway & Cooper Zagoria, Kennedy, Kamdyn Kelsey (soon to arrive baby girl, Karson Kelsey) and Brooks Johnson. She is also survived by her 2 loving dogs – Charlie & Frisco.

Marlys was the first-born child of the late Edith June Ritchie & Jack Petrie. She shared a very close bond with her sister Jill St.Clair (Pack), brother, Dave Greever (Karen), Karen Petrie Lareau and the late Ritchie Small, Carol Petrie, and Kevin Petrie. Playing an incredible instrumental fatherly role in Marlys’ life was the predeceased Leddy Greever (Norma).

Marlys attended high school years at St. Mary’s Academy. Many of Marlys’ fondest memories in both her childhood & adult life were spending summers at her mother’s side of the family’s Ritchita Retreat at Bay Lake, Minnesota with her many cousins & siblings. She cherished her family and friends above all. The ultimate host of Super Bowl parties, cooking for a plethora of folks while Dick attended Walnut Valley Blue Grass festivals, etc. Christmas celebration sleepovers were mandatory in her eyes as she wanted to stay up until the wee hours soaking up time with her grandkids watching movies and playing games. She will be most remembered for the unconditional love she poured into those around her. From a hobby standpoint, she was quite impressive on both the tennis court and golf course.

Marlys & Dick began Plains Plastics in McPherson, KS in 1978. They built a successful career as business partners and sold the company in 1996 at which time they retired and moved back to Wichita where they built their dream home at Flint Hills National. It was a perfect way of life for the two of them. They could golf, dine and share friendship as they met many of their closest and lifelong friends through club life.

Dick and the family would like to express immeasurable gratitude to Irene Vazquez and Ciara Vazquez for the assisted care they provided to Marlys through the last several months. Additionally, special thanks and appreciation to the top-notch doctors & nurses that provided end of life care for her at the Andover Kansas Medical Center.

Anyone who knew Marlys & Dick also realized their love for animals and quickly assessed that their numerous doggie companions were treated as well as a child. As such, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67219.