Kelly Ann Johnson

Kelly Ann Johnson (nee Duermeier)

April 11, 1958 to December 8, 2024

Kelly was born in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. The first-born daughter of Duane Edward and Nancy Gayle Duermeier (nee Anderson.) Kelly, Kim and Kerry were a year apart and were inseparable the early years of their lives. They moved to Arkansas for grade school and finally settled in Ocala, Florida, in the early 70’s where youngest sister Kristy was born and where Kelly would remain.

With an intense love of horses, Kelly had a career working on horse farms where she helped with the breeding, starting and care of thoroughbred horses. She tended the horses with the utmost care and took pride in her work. She instilled a love of animals in those around her.

As the eldest sibling, Kelly was a natural caretaker. She was a nurturing presence in the lives of her nieces Rachel and Lyndsay and youngest sister Kristy. She was known for her gentle nature, pride in her home and fierce protective stance when warranted.

Kelly was married to Sam Johnson. Their son, Daniel, was an only child. When he met Trent Fasciglione, they became best friends with a brotherly bond. Trent’s mom Tonya and Kelly both became “the other mother” acknowledging the inseparable bond and integrating each other into their families. Kelly’s sister-in-law, Laura, was also an integral part of her family.

Daniel went on to join the Navy which has become his career. He is stationed in Jacksonville, Florida. He married Cameron Johnson (nee Gillyard) and their daughter Ivy Lynn is almost 1 year-old now. Kelly was proud of Daniel’s life and happy to see him so in love.

While Kelly was diagnosed with an aggressive late-stage cancer, her family are relieved that the progression was quick, and she died peacefully with quality hospice care as well as friends and family surrounding her with love.

Kelly is preceded in death by her father Duane, husband Sam, sister-in-law Laura and sister Kerry. She is survived by son Daniel Duane, daughter-in-law Cameron, granddaughter Ivy Lynn Johnson, honorary son Trent Fasciglione, mother Nancy Duermeier, sisters Kim Rhodes and Kiara Lee (AKA Kristy), nieces Rachel Torres (nee Rou), Lyndsay Rou and Molly Crain (nee Rhodes), great-nieces Payton and Maddison Torres and great-nephews Logan Torres and Kye Powell. Her beloved dog Faith will join Daniel’s family.

Countryside Funeral Home has been entrusted with the cremation arrangements. In lieu of flowers, family would welcome donations to Marion County Hospice.