Natalie Johnson

Natalie May Doolittle (Heilman) Johnson known to many of her friends and family as Pat, passed away Wednesday morning, August 16, 2017 at Maple Lake Assisted Living in Paw Paw, MI at the age of 89. Natalie was born October 8, 1927 in Reed City, MI, a daughter and youngest child of H. Arthur and Nellie M. (Richard) Heilman. She loved dearly her brothers Bert, Roy, Vern, Merle and Carl and her sisters Esther and Ruth all of whom preceded her in death. She was married to Arlow Doolittle for 50 years until his death in 1977. She remarried at the age of 81 to Robert Johnson, who preceded her in death July 14th, 2017. Natalie worked at several jobs throughout her life. The job she enjoyed the most was at the Gibson Guitar Factory in Kalamazoo, MI. She had many interests outside of work - too many to name, but at the top of her list were Family get togethers, and enjoying God's Creations. Other favorites were traveling, especially fall trips in Michigan; sports - she loved the Detroit Tigers, the Redwings and the Michigan State Spartans especially. She also loved working with her hands, a love she developed early on in 4H, where she made a lovely bookcase and a curio shelf. Natalie was a truly kind and generous person. She had a big heart and a warm spirit which she extended to everyone she met. And she had a deep and abiding faith which was a guiding light in her life. Natalie is survived by her daughter and son-in law, Venessa Zakana and Jim Paczwa of Madison, WI, her step son and daughter-in-law, Alan and Martha Ruggles and her step daughter Linda Hayworth, as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. Mom, you will be missed. Avink Funeral Home.