Obituary: Ethel H. Johnson

Houghton

Ethel H. Johnson, 101, a resident of West South Ave. in Houghton entered her Heavenly Home on May 9, 2018.

She was born at the Houghton Canal District on December 11, 1916, a daughter of the late Felix and Hilda (Lehto) Hietala. She was the youngest of their seven children. Ethel attended the Houghton Canal School and was a graduate of Houghton High School, class 0f 1935.

On February 24, 1940, she married Wesley W. Johnson of the Houghton Canal District. The wedding took place in Laurium, MI. Together they operated the Johnson Dairy and farm till 1974 when they semi-retired and moved to Houghton. Ethel worked at Swift’s Hardware in Houghton and also did domestic work for families of east Houghton. Wesley preceded her in death on July 8, 1998.

Also preceding her in death are her parents, her two brothers John and Frank and her four sisters Sigrid (Siiri) Garnell, Vivian Solmonson, Mayme and Sylvia and a foster son Paul Solmonson.

Ethel is survived by two daughters, Alice (David) Phillips of Coldwater, MI and Joy (David) Talvensaari of Oskar, MI. Surviving also are two grandchildren, Michael (Diann) Phillips of Shelby Twp., MI, and Michelle (David) Miller of Lindenhurst, IL. She is survived by four great-grandchildren, Spencer and Evan Phillips and Lauren and Eric Miller. Survivors also include nieces and nephews along with many cousins in Finland.

Ethel was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church of Hancock.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock is assisting the family with the arrangements. The visitation will be on Thursday, May 17, 2018, from 10 am until 12 noon. The funeral service will be at the Zion Lutheran Church of Hancock at 12 noon, with Pastor Jesse Aho to officiate.

Burial will be in the Johnson Family plot at the Oskar Cemetery.

Ethel’s family would like to extend a special thank you to her caregivers of 3 years- Cora, Jill, Brenda, Serena, Ms. Claudia, Alayne, Alicia, Kelli, Laura, her first caregiver Edie who became a part of her family and also thanks to her nephew Deric who helped in her care daily.

Thank you to the caregivers of Aspirus Hospices and doctors.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family suggests that memorials be given to the Omega House in Houghton 2211 Maureen Lane, Houghton, MI 49931, or Zion Lutheran Church, 400 Ingot St., Hancock, MI 49930, in memory of Ethel Johnson.

To view Ethel’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.