Carol Jean Johnson

Carol Jean Johnson, age 87, of Manitou Beach, Michigan, passed away peacefully at Toledo Hospital on April 22, 2024.

Carol was born September 25, 1936, in Summerfield Township, Michigan to the late James and Alice (Grasley) Keller.

She graduated from Sylvania Burnham High School in 1954. Prior to high school, she attended Seeley School, a one room schoolhouse.

Carol married Gene on October 16, 1954. Before Gene’s passing on May 17, 2023, they celebrated 68 years of marriage. They spent 40 years on Yankee Road in Ottawa Lake before retiring to Round Lake, enjoying boating on their pontoon and water activities with family.

Carol enjoyed bowling, camping, and shuffle boarding in the winter months of their time spent in Florida. She was crafty with her crocheting, basket making, and enjoyed gardening. At their cabin in Roscommon Michigan she snowmobiled, snow skied, and canoed on the Au Sable River. Her biggest enjoyment was playing euchre, bridge, and pinocle with family and friends. She was very proud of her country, farm life upbringing. She had worked planting and harvesting tomatoes for her cousin, Dean Keller. Her daughters still laugh today because their mother took them along to pick bushels of green beans for 3 cents a pound. Her goal though was to teach them good work ethics. Together her and Gene camped, traveled to Las Vegas, Europe, Hawaii, Alaska, and took other trips around the U.S. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren looked forward to her cookies, Rice Krispie treats, and homemade popsicles. She rarely missed the kids’ sporting events, concerts, and plays.

They leave behind three daughters, Cindy (Don) Lashley, Debbie (Tom Liette) Wagner, and Lisa (Gary) Zimmerman. Grandchildren include Ron (Tricia) Morse, Ryan (Christa) Morse, Jennifer Wagner, Michael (Shawna) Wagner, Robert (Cassidy) Wagner, Brent (Sarah) Skiver. Great-grandchildren include Chase, Chloe, Sofi, Allie, Londyn, Curtis, Clay, Stella, Dylan, Brooke, Colleen, Breccan, Brayden, and Hudson. She is also survived by her brother, Jerry (Ginny) Keller; in-laws, Ruth Keller, Suzanne Keller, Herb and Patty McMillan; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gene; and brothers, Larry and Dan Keller.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Aspen Grove in Lambertville, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lenawee in Gene and Carol’s name or the donor’s choice of charity.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, May 31, 2024, from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Ottawa Lake Sportsman’s Club, 9480 Memorial Hwy, Ottawa Lake, MI 49267.

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