Helen Ruth Johnson

Helen Ruth Johnson, age 80, of 708 Cedar Street, Munising, died on Thursday, May 18, 2006 at 1:27 p.m. in the emergency room of the Munising Memorial Hospital. She was born September 11, 1925 in Newberry, Michigan to the late Edith Marie (Hakala) and John G. Johnson. Helen was eighth out of ten children. She was raised in Newberry and graduated from Newberry High School in 1944. Helen worked in a clothing store and as a dental assistant. On June 12, 1949, she married Elmer O. Johnson of Munising at her parent's home in Newberry and they went to Mackinac Island for their honeymoon. Helen was confirmed in the Finnish language and was a member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. She was very active in the Lutheran Women's Missionary League. Helen enjoyed reading, doing jigsaw and crossword puzzles, visiting family and friends, taking rides to Newberry, sending cards to cheer people, having coffee at the bakery, and participating in church activities. She was very artistic and had a wonderful joy about her.
One daughter, Beverly Sue Johnson preceded her to heaven on January 6, 1968 at three years of age. Helen is survived by her husband of over fifty-six years - Elmer Johnson of Munising; seven children - Sonja (Dan) Stevens of Sturgis, MI, Betty (David) Sarasin and Imogene (Bob) Kurth both of Waikoloa, HI, Craig (Leslie) Johnson, Norman (Kerry) Johnson, and Marvin (Becky) Johnson all of Munising, and Marge (Chris) Voigt of Spring Hills, NJ; 21 grandchildren - Kristi, Lance, Sara, Jeffrey, Adam, Tais, Rex, Cliff, Alex, Sally, Jessica, Adam, Emily K., Alysse, Reed, Emily Ann, Matthew, Jenna, Noah, Courtney, and Regan; 4 great-grandchildren - Austin, Avery, Sophie, and Addison; sister - Margaret (Gerald) Lustila of Melvindale, MI; brother - Vernor Johnson of Newberry; and numerous nieces and nephews. Helen was also preceded in death by her parents, sisters Lillian Hiltunen, Viola Gray, Eleanor Olson, Florence Nyberg, and brothers Ted, Raymond, and Elmer Johnson.
Visitation will be held on Sunday evening at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Munising from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. and also at the church on Monday from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Deacon John Weber will conduct Helen's funeral service on Monday, May 22, 2006 at 3:00 p.m. at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Interment will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising and she will be escorted by her grandsons. Memorials in memory of Helen may be directed to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.