Victoria Rettig Johnston, born on August 22, 1951 in Philadelphia PA; daughter of the late Max and Martha Rettig, passed away peacefully from complications of Covid on Saturday, January 23rd, surrounded by her family.
Vikki grew up in Wyoming, Ohio. During high school she ran track and had laughs with her lifelong friends Carol, Sue and Nonci. After high school, she met the love of her life, Bruce, while working at Shell Oil company. They married on Pearl Harbor Day, December 7th, 1974. Shortly after, they moved to California then back to Cincinnati to start a family, and have lived in West Chester the past 33 years.
Over the years she’s traveled to all 50 states, but one of her favorite places was her family camp in the Adirondacks. Time spent there with family and friends that became family was held close to her. Many beautiful sunsets, fish caught, boat rides, toad hunts and mosquito bites will be remembered with Vikki. Florida is another place that was special to Vikki, as she recently became a resident. She, Bruce and Reno (their German Shepherd) enjoyed being in the Naples area, meeting great people, exploring the waterways, Marco Island, the Everglades, and finding THE best key lime pie. Vikki also got a kick out of playing her lucky game of Keno and named her first beloved German Shepherd “Keno” after the game. Her most cherished pastime of all, however, was spoiling her three grandchildren; Shay, Max and Maeryn. They loved their “Mama J”. She truly lived for her family and did everything in her power to bring them happiness. Her language of love was giving and she selflessly put those she loved before her.
Vikki was an avid animal lover, advocate and donor. She supported various animal shelters, as well as provided protection vests for police dogs. Helping animals was a lifelong mission of hers. One that was shared with her mother and sister, and has since been passed down to her children and grandchildren.
Anyone that met Vikki loved her. Those lucky enough to really know her loved her even more. She was the kindest person ever. Not to be confused for a pushover, because you did not want to get on her bad side. A natural, unassuming beautiful woman. Her enormous heart and hilarious wit will be greatly missed.
Besides her parents, Vikki was predeceased by her twin sister, Shari Lynne Rettig, who passed away when Vikki was 2 months old. Also her older sister Dianne Rettig, her cousins Sally Goulet and Caryn Diller (November 14th, 2020), Bruce’s parents Glenn and Lena Johnston, and too many pets to name. Vikki is survived by her husband Bruce Johnston (married for 46 years), their children Natalie Quinn (Kyle) and granddaughters Shay and Maeryn; and Stefanie Villanueva (Cecil) and grandson Max. She is also survived by her siblings Kurt (Kris) Rettig and their family, Debbie Clark and her family, sister-in-law Linda Alexander and her family, and her cousins’ husbands Nick Melia and family and Mickey Goulet and family.
It’s impossible to say goodbye to such an incredible woman, but one thing is for sure; because of her the world is a better place.
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” - Thomas Campbell
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her honor to one her favorite animal rescues, Joseph’s Legacy.
Checks can be sent to:
Josephs Legacy
P.O. Box 3
Middletown, OH 45042
Donations can also be made via their website and PayPal address:
Paypal email: donate@josephslegacyrescue.org
| Service | Location | Date | Time | Stream Link | Directions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitation | Spring Grove Funeral Homes | January 29, 2021 | 1:00 pm | Directions | |
| Funeral Service | Spring Grove Funeral Homes | January 29, 2021 | 2:00 pm | Directions | |
| Burial | Spring Grove Cemetery | January 29, 2021 | Directions |