Ellen R. (Matthews) Johnson

Ellen R. Johnson, age 88 of Muskegon, passed peacefully on Thursday, September 23, 2021. She was born December 30, 1932 in Muskegon to Wesley “Pat” and Lucy (Balkema) Matthews. On February 20, 1954, she married William J. Johnson in Muskegon, and he preceded her in death on July 21, 2019.

Ellen was a loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandma, and great-grandma. She was a fierce supporter of her family and was always willing to “cross her fingers” for anyone taking a test. Ellen was crazy in the best way. If you grew up on Blodgett Street, you could hear her laugh from down the street. There wasn’t a holiday that she didn’t want to celebrate, or a food that she didn’t think would taste better cut in pieces and served on toothpicks to family and friends. No one appreciated a good happy hour as much as Ellen. She loved the sunshine and sea shells.  She and Bill spent winters in North Fort Myers, FL for many years.

She is survived by three daughters, Kandi (Alan) Macdonald of Novi, Kelli (Jeff) Jullie of Grand Haven, and Kerri (Mark) Taylor of Muskegon. She adored her 8 grandchildren: AJ (Shelley) Macdonald, Dr. Jennifer (Nick) Lyengar, Dr. Alissa (Wayne) Enzenberger, Jamie (Chris) Waite, Erinn Taylor, Patrick Taylor, Anna Jullie, and Brittany Jullie; and her precious great-grandchildren, Kyla and Allie Macdonald, Theo and Madison Enzenberger, and Gillian Lyengar. She is also survived by her sister, Pat (Frank) Swain of Bainbridge, GA; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers: Robert, Gene, and Bernard “Butch” Matthews; and two sisters, Joyce Weersing and Marvella Freres.

Ellen’s family would like to thank the staff at both the Hume Home and Poppen House for caring for her during the past month. At Ellen’s request, there will be no services.

Memorial Contributions may be made to a charity of donor’s choice.

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