Rita Jean Johnson

Rita Jean Payne Johnson, 71, of Catlettsburg, KY, passed away on Monday, October 19, 2026, at King’s Daughters Medical Center in Ashland, KY.

Rita was born on February 22, 1955, in Russell, KY, to the late Clarence Gene Payne and Goldie May Keeton Triplett.

In addition to her parents, Rita was preceded in death by a daughter, Jennifer Sparks; three brothers, Jeffrey, Dennis Ray, and Larry D. Payne; a sister, Kaye France Bryant; and a grandson, Scotty Burchett.

Rita worked in the registration department at Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital in Bellefonte, KY, where she retired. She was a member of Ashland Gospel Assembly in Ashland, KY.

She is survived by her loving husband of forty-five years, Denny Roger Johnson of Catlettsburg, KY; her son, Jason Johnson of South Shore, KY; three daughters, Edy Amber (Brandon) Reffett of South Shore, KY, Kimberly (Richie) Myers of Ashland, KY, and Crystal (Tommy) Church of Dryridge, KY; eleven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a brother, Jason Payne of Flatwoods, KY; three sisters, Dianna L. Short of Portsmouth, OH, Janet Sue Payne of Dryridge, KY, and Kathleen L. Tripplett of Raceland, KY; two sisters-in-law, Roxanne and Wanda Payne; and a host of extended family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 1 P.M. on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Ashland Gospel Assembly (3831 Skyline Drive, Ashland, KY), with Pastor Rick Moore and Pastor Jackie Kackley officiating. Visitation will be from 11 A.M. until the time of the service on Friday at the church.

Burial will follow at Brick Union Cemetery in Lloyd, KY.

Condolences can be expressed at www.baileyfamilyfuneralhome.com.