Bonnie Jean Johnson

Bonnie Jean Johnson of Caro, age 80, passed away on Friday, November 6, 2020 at United Hospice Residence in Marlette, following a brief but courageous battle with ALS. Bonnie was born April 26, 1940 in Albion, the daughter of the late William & Esther (Towns) Stark. Her childhood was spent in Springport, Michigan on her family's centennial farm. She graduated as valedictorian of her Springfield High School class where she was also crowned Dairy Princess. Bonnie would later graduate from Valparaiso University and interned with the University of Michigan, earning her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics. Her first position in her field of study was at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing where she met and fell in love with Dennis Johnson, and the couple was united in marriage on August 28, 1965. Bonnie loved being a dietitian and worked for many clinics, hospitals, and care facilities, including Community Mental Health in Michigan, mostly in the Thumb area. She and Dennis moved to Idaho in 1991, where Bonnie found a position she especially loved at Humphreys Diabetes Center. She excelled in Diabetes care and was proud to earn the designation of Certified Diabetes Educator. Bonnie's biggest passion was spending time with family, especially her grandchildren. She loved to travel with friends and family and would reflect on one of her favorite trips to Germany. She was deeply devoted to her church and its many activities, including WELCA, choir and bible school and study. Bonnie also had a deep allegiance and love for Valparaiso University and the Democratic Party. She was never too shy to sing or dance, and appreciated being able to attend plays, musicals, and concerts. She was an avid observer of current political events and enjoyed reading the Sunday papers. She also enjoyed exercising at the Caro pool, participating with her Red Hatter group, shopping for a bargain at secondhand stores, and spending time with her many friends. Left to cherish Bonnie's memory are her loving husband of fifty-five years, Dennis Johnson of Caro; three children and their spouses, Brent & Shannon Johnson of Ludington, Troy Johnson of Caro, Denene & Greg Huff of Portage; three grandchildren, Jack and Ava Johnson, Samuel Huff; two siblings, Bette Stark of Portage, Bill & Carol Stark of Lake Orion; many nieces, nephews, and cousins, including a special cousin Bonnie loved as a sister, Norma (Charles) Pickard of Jacksonville, Florida; and sister-in-law, Nancy (Chris) Brogan of Lansing. In addition to her parents, Bonnie was preceded in death by a sister, Brenda Schmoke; her father- and mother-in-law, Einar & Jeanne Johnson. The family will be present to receive friends for a visitation at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Thursday, November 12, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Private family services will be held at a later time at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Unionville with burial in the church cemetery. The family has requested those attending the visitation kindly wear mask, have temperature taken at the door, and use hand sanitizer that will be provided. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Johnson Family Discretionary Fund, c/o Dennis Johnson, 205 West Sherman Street, Caro, MI 47823, to be distributed to Bonnie's favorite charities. Visitation Information Date: Thursday, November 12, 2020 Time: 4:00 pm End Time: 8:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will be present to receive friends for a visitation at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Thursday, November 12, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The family has requested those attending the visitation kindly wear mask, have temperature taken at the door, and use hand sanitizer that will be provided. Service Information Private family services will be held at a later time at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Unionville with burial in the church cemetery.