Barbara Johnson

Age 84, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2020. Barb was born in Lansing, Michigan on December 5, 1935, the daughter of the late Frank H. and Hilda P. (Ruthruff) Evans. She was a graduate of Eaton Rapids High School where she played the clarinet in the marching band and participated in choir and theater. Barb graduated from Western Michigan College and was a member of the Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority. She retired in 1990 from Consumers Power Co. where she was a customer service representative. Barb enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She loved to play golf and was a long-time member of Gull Lake View Golf Club. Barb was an avid reader, loved sewing and spent many hours supporting musical and sporting activities of her children and grandchildren. She was also a volunteer for Loaves and Fishes, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and the PTO. Barb was a 54-year member of First Presbyterian Church of Kalamazoo, where she served as a deacon and taught Sunday school. On May 24, 1957, Barb was united in marriage to William "Bill" F. Johnson, who preceded her in death on June 6, 2018. She is survived by her children, Michell (Tari) Mercier, Sherry (Alan) Martens and Bill (Corinne) Johnson; six grandchildren, Jasen, Elizabeth, Hannah, Joshua, Emma and Sam; three great-grandchildren, Gracelyn, Luke and Beckett; sisters, Diane Papranec and Sandra Reed; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service to celebrate Barb's life will be held after the COVID-19 pandemic crisis subsides. Her cremains will be placed with Bill's in the columbarium of First Presbyterian Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Heritage Community Foundation or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Family and friends may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.