Romanza Johnson, long-time community service advocate, passes away

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – South Central Kentucky is mourning the passing of a long-time community service advocate.

Romanza Johnson died on Wednesday evening.

She was born on December 1, 1939, in Scottsville.

According to the WKU Alumni Association, Johnson was a two-time graduate of WKU in 1960 and 1968.

Johnson was a teacher and home economist at Bowling Green Municipal Utilities.

According to her bio on WKU Alumni Association’s website, Johnson was involved in 27 community service organizations, including the Dream Factory of Bowling Green, Houchens Center for Women, Hospice of Southern Kentucky and the Rape Crisis Center.

Johnson was awarded WKU’s Distinguished Medal of Community and Public Service Award in 2023 for exceptional volunteer service.

According to Warren County Government, Johnson and her husband, Ralph, donated 2.62 acres of property on Trammell Fork Creek to Warren County Fiscal Court to be developed as a nature park, now known as Romanza Johnson Park. Development of the park began in 1997 and is now a local favorite for canoers and kayakers.

Johnson was honored by the Salvation Army last fall at its “Champions of Hope” luncheon for being a key figure in constructing the Center of Hope shelter and leading the Angel Tree Program.

WNKY News 40 will continue to share stories of the legacy of Romanza Johnson in the coming days.

What They’re Saying

City of Bowling Green

“Bowling Green lost a very distinguished member of the community with the passing of Romanza Johnson. She dedicated her life to public service and leaves behind a tremendous legacy. Among her many achievements, she assisted in founding of the Houchens Center for Women, the Rape Crisis Center, and Hospice of Southern Kentucky. She served on multiple boards, taught Sunday School classes, and touched hundreds lives here through her volunteerism and philanthropy. She was a respected beacon of service and will be greatly missed.”

—

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

“We want to take a moment to honor Romanza Johnson, a lifelong advocate for education, community service, and civic engagement. She taught Home Economics before joining the faculty at WKU. After a decade of shaping young minds, she made history as the first Home Economist at Bowling Green Municipal Utilities, pioneering a role blending public service with community outreach.

“For over 50 years, Romanza has been an unwavering presence in our community. A charter member of the Chamber’s Ambassadors Club, she has served in nearly every leadership role, including three terms as chair and over a decade as secretary. Her contributions have shaped key Chamber initiatives, including her leadership of the Arts and Agriculture Committees and the Retention Committee.

“Romanza was the very first recipient of the prestigious ATHENA Award, a symbol of her trailblazing leadership. Her creative efforts for the Chamber’s Farm City Week campaign earned both state and national honors, and she has received the Ambassadors Volunteer Award an impressive four times.

“Romanza Johnson exemplifies what it means to live a life of purpose, passion, and service. Her legacy enriches us all, and we are grateful for the countless ways she has helped make our community a better place.”

– Ron Bunch, president & CEO of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

Bowling Green Municipal Utilities 

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former colleague, Romanza Johnson. Romanza was a valued member of our team from 1970 to 1993, making meaningful contributions to both BGMU and the broader community through her work as our home economist. In many ways, BGMU’s and Romanza’s identities were intertwined.

She cared deeply about others and remained actively involved with numerous non-profit organizations over the years. Her compassion and dedication touched many lives. Our thoughts are with Romanza’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her during this difficult time. Her memory and influence will remain deeply woven into the fabric of our community.”

– Mark Iverson, general manager of Bowling Green Municipal Utilities

“A lot of people remember the cookbook that you had and remember that, you know, Romanza was always, you know, with economics and homemaking and, you know, getting behind the scenes to help our community and to enhance our community. And so she was a social influencer before social influence was even around. And when I say legend, you know, Romanza is a legend.”

– Todd Alcott, Mayor of Bowling Green