Obit: Rita Johnson, 72, Ludington

Rita Johnson

Rita Ann Johnson, age 72, of Ludington, passed away unexpectedly at home November 25, 2014.

She was born on January 26, 1942 in Ludington, daughter of the late Ronald and Vera (Wagner) VanDyke.  She attended and graduated from St. Simon Catholic School.  Rita married Donald K. Johnson on November 28, 1964 in Ludington.  He preceded her in death on January 1, 2007.

Rita was Riverton Township Clerk for over 30 years. She also worked as a bookkeeper for Johnson & Johnson Painting and also worked as a sales associate for Lundquist’s Furniture, where she retired from in 2009.

She was a member of St. Simon Catholic Church and had a passion for sewing, knitting, cooking, building and finishing miniature dollhouses.  Most of all she absolutely loved spending time with her family and especially her grandchildren.

Rita is survived by her children; Steven (Helisa) Johnson, Karolyn (Jack) Rillema, Tom (Becky Lynn) Johnson, Kristin (Jason) Lange, Diana (Kyle) Ross, Denise (Thomas) Phinney, Becky Jo (Bill) McKinley and Nicholas Johnson; grandchildren, Taylor, Mallory, Hunter, Lauren, Kristi, Jordan and Kylee Johnson, Holly (Steven) Schmiedeknecht; Hannah and Hope Rillema; Morgan, Mitchell and Nathan Lange, Austin and Aleiya Ross, Tommie Marie and Zoe Phinney and Evan and Emma McKinley; brothers, Ron (Bev) VanDyke and Larry (Marge) VanDyke; mother-in-law, Roselyn “Johnnie” Johnson; sister-in-law, Barbara Barney; brother-in-law, James (Pam) Johnson; numerous nieces, nephews and friends; and granddog, Duke.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Donald; infant brother, Frederick; and father-in-law, D. Kermit Johnson.

The mass of resurrection will be held at 10:30AM on Monday, December 1, 2014 at St. Simon’s Catholic Church with Father Wayne Wheeler and Father Dennis O’Donnell celebrant.  The family will receive friends for visitation on Sunday, November 30, 2014 from 4:00 till 7:00PM at Oak Grove Funeral Home, with the evening vigil service being held at 7:00PM.  Burial will take place at Center Riverton Township Cemetery in Ludington.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the St. Simon Food Pantry.  Feel free to share a memory or photo with Rita’s family at www.oakgrovefh.com.  The family has entrusted funeral arrangements with Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center.