Today, the Heaven’s opened and the Lord called our mother home. Ellen Mae Johnson, Age 84, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Saturday October 19, 2024. She was of Catholic Faith. Ellen was born on November 24, 1939, to Woodrow and Eugenia (Martin) Johnson in Rapid River. She graduated in the Class of 1958 from Perkins High School. She was the Senior Class President and at the top of her class.
Later, Ellen met the late Albert Vallier, and they were united in marriage.Ellen and Albert had four children, Cheryl, Timothy, Rebecca, and Kristie. They were married until the passing of Albert in 1971. Later, Ellen met the late Richard Hyland, and they were united in marriage and had two children, Todd and Rachelle.
Later, she was united in marriage to Nicholas Dalgord.
Ellen helped her parents manage and operate Woody’s Bar and Restaurant in Rapid River. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Rapid River Snowmobile Club where she raced snowmobiles, “in her pink snowsuit”. She was a member of the 4-H shooting club; she was quite the sharpshooter.
Ellen enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She handed down many of her special talents to them. Her hobbies included painting, cooking, canning, knitting, crocheting, and especially gardening and growing flowers. She also enjoyed being outdoors picking blueberries, hunting, fishing, camping which included gathering around a bonfire enjoying family and friends and “good” old time music. She was also known for her fabulous cooking as she won many blue ribbons over the years at the U.P. State Fair on Ladies Day. She attended the Wilton School of Cake Decorating in Chicago. Ellen made many wedding cakes. She catered weddings and other gatherings.
We are thankful for all the talent she has handed down to her children and grandchildren.
Ellen is survived by her brother Martin (Phyllis) Johnson; daughters,Cheryl (Les) Williams; Rebecca Kuehl; Kristie (Paul) Stenlund all ofRapid River, MI and Rachelle Hyland of Wilson, MI; sons,
Timothy Vallier of Trenary, MI and Todd (Cynthia) Hyland of Rapid River, MI; grandchildren, Eric Williams, Jackie (Mike) Bastian, Kendell (Casey) Wendrick, Kimberly (Jason) Pingel, Carrie (Jeremy) Lambertson, Stacey (Dave) Kuehl, Austin (Allison), Dylan and Derek LaBumbard, Jake and Savannah (Jared) Stenlund, Zach and Brooke Hyland, Nicole (Terry) Hyland, Ronald (Hailey Jo) and Braylynn Peterson; great grandchildren, Kara Williams, Kayden Williams-Jezik, Fynn and Zane Bastian, Aurora and Laney Wendrick, Wesson Keshick, Ryland, and Kamryn Peterson.
Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Kenneth Johnson,and a sister Bonnie LaCosse.
Family will receive friends on Sunday, October 27, 2024 from 12 noon to 1 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services honoring Ellen will begin at 1 PM. Ellen will be laid to rest at the Rapid River Cemetery following her funeral and there will be a luncheon afterwards at the Rapid River Lions Club.
Don E. Shope - Rapid River, MI
To all of Ellen’s family: I’m so saddened to hear of her passing. There was never a dull moment when she was in the room. She put life into all events she attended and her quick wit & recollection of local historical events was astonishing, as she could remember the weather that day and what she was wearing. There is no doubt Heaven will be a happier place with Ellen’s presence.
Dawn Hawk - Gladstone , Mi
I want to send my condolences to Ellen’s family, and tell them how sorry I am for their loss. I’m sorry that I can’t be with you to help mourn the loss of Ellen’s passing. I have gotten to know her daughter Rebecca (Becky) and the LaBumbard grandsons. I also met her through my partner Wayne LaBumbard who also passed away in March of this year. It’s is through them I got to know and hear about all the things that was happening in her life and family.
I am happy that she got to live her life her way doing the things she loved doing most. That is the best way to live, doing the things that make you the happiness.
I also hope that the family will always remember the happy loving times they had with her here on earth, and keep those memories close to your hearts because she is now living on through you for now and always.
May God be her and her family now and always, Amen
Millie & Earl McNally Sr. - Rapid River, Mi
So sorry for you all on the loss of your mom and grandma. I remember as a young preteen staying at your mom’s house with Shelly when she lived above the bar in Perkins. That was the first time I met her. However, all through the last 14 years plus…I’ve seen her with her daughter Becky and Shelly alot. I know how much your mom meant to yous and how special it was for yous to sit down by the Lake and watch Braylynn swim and play. I’m sure yous have so many memories with all of your family and your beautiful mom. Our sincerest sympathies to all of you & may God bless yous all and Mother Mary’s comfort, protect, & guide yous as you all remember your mama’s memory. Prayers & hugs.
Dale Johnson - Wichita, KS
My sympathy to the family. I remember Ellen as being a very cool Aunt back in the 1960s.
Morley Rushford - Rapid River, MI
Our condolences on the passing of your mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Peace, Morley and Monica