Ada Ellen Rotenizer Johnson Tirko, 85 of Pulaski, departed this earthly life to go home to be with the Lord and her family on Tuesday, December 2, 2008. Born June 29, 1923, in Carroll County, Virginia, Ada was the daughter of Royal B. & Dora Beasley Rotenizer. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, John Tirko. Also going on before her were brothers Ray, Howard, Arnold and Edward Rotenizer as well as sisters Elvie, Ora, Nellie, Hazel and Alene. Mrs. Tirko is survived by her beloved son, James Kenneth Kenny Johnson and his wife, Linda of Blacksburg; one sister, Juanita and her husband Leonard Harmon of Asheboro; four granddaughters Teresa Rene Johnson of Gaithersburg, MD, Lisa Johnson Wilkes of Blacksburg, Karen Leigh Johnson of Roanoke and Susan Kaye ONeil and husband James ONeil of Richmond. Also left to cherish her memory and celebrate her life are two very special great grandsons, James Cabell and LeeAnder Benjamin Wilkes and a host of nieces and nephews.

Following her retirement from American University in Washington, D.C., Ada & Papa John made their home in Pulaski to be near their grandchildren where they were faithful members of Memorial Baptist Church.

Funeral Service will be conducted by Pastor David Lones of Memorial Baptist Church, Pulaski and Elder Ronald Bowman of Pine Grove Primitive Baptist Church in Austinville. Services will be held at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel in Hillsville at 2:00 PM on Thursday, December 4, 2008. Ada will be laid to rest in the Pine Grove Cemetery alongside her beloved husband. The family will receive visitors to celebrate the life of Ada one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pine Grove Cemetery Fund in car of Patricia Dalton 107 Rotenizer Drive, Hillsville, VA 24343 or Memorial Baptist Church P.O. Box 31, Pulaski, VA 24301.