We have the heartbreaking duty to report that our dear mom, Peggy Sue Johnson, has rejoined her departed family, friends, and beloved animal companions who have preceded her across the Rainbow Bridge on Friday, January 26, 2024.  Born on August 15, 1942 in Newport News and a 1960 graduate of Newport News High School, she spent 29 years in civil service, retiring from the Air Superiority Project Office at Eglin AFB in Florida where she “sold missiles to Turks”, as she often put it, as the International Business Manager for the AMRAAM Joint Systems Project Office.  Prior to that assignment, she worked in the project testing office for the Space Shuttle engine in Mississippi, and numerous projects at Langley AFB.
Peggy was a fiercely independent woman and committed liberal with an unwavering loyalty towards her family, friends, and all animals.  Honest and authentic in all regards, she took great joy in listening to all kinds of music, with a particular affinity for Americana such as bluegrass and proper old-school country music from Willie, Waylon, Dolly, Johnny Cash, and the like, and was always supportive of her sons’ musical activities.  Mom was also a voracious reader and a frequent customer of the Portsmouth Public Library.  Additionally, she loved to knit, and would make all manner of creative things for her family and friends, and she was a diligent and precise genealogist who uncovered a great deal of family history once thought lost to the mists of time.
Mom’s single most enduring characteristic was her infinite compassion for animals, particularly cats.  We would occasionally tease her about being the prototypical “crazy cat lady” due to her affinity for taking care of feral cats, but she had a genuine love for animals and hated to see them suffer.  Over the years she has had the constant companionship of dozens of cats as well as a boxer (Bubba) and two standard poodles (Maggie and McGee) whom she loved dearly.
Mom moved from Ohio back to Virginia in October 2012 to be closer to us.  She remained completely independent in all regards right up to the very end.  In accordance with Mom’s wishes, she was brought to Hospice House in Williamsburg where she peacefully moved on to her next adventure on the evening of 26 January.  And true to form, her last words were, “Take care of the cats.”
Mom is survived by two sons – Lynn Ritger (Debra) and Benjamin Ritger (Christina), three grandchildren (Danika, Dimitri, and Evelynn), one aunt (Louise Key), numerous cousins, and seven cats – Carrie Ann, Louie, Nacho, Wilma, Susie, Leroy, and Tiny Tim.  She was predeceased by her mother (Lorraine Cornevin Rogers) and father (Stanford Tutwiler Johnson).  The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the teams at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Amedisys, and Hospice House of Williamsburg.  Their skill is only exceeded by their grace, and we will be forever grateful for their efforts on Mom’s behalf.
The family will receive visitors from 5 pm to 7 pm on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601.  Mom’s celebration of life will be held at 12 pm on February 7, 2024 at Peninsula Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park, 12750 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA  23606.