Florence E. Johnson, age 93, of the Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba, formerly of Rapid River, passed away Thursday afternoon, June 2, 2011 at the Bishop Noa Home.
Florence was born September 10, 1917 in Gladstone, the daughter of Louis and Julia (Gregory) Jackovich. Florence was raised in Gladstone and she married Everett Johnson on May 16, 1936. They made their home in Rapid River where they raised their daughter Kris.
Florence was an active member of the Rapid River Community. She was a member of the St. Charles Catholic Church where she assisted in making pasties for the pasties sale. She also sang in the choir and served as President of the Altar Society.
Florence served terms as President, Secretary and Chairman for several years on the Rapid River American Legion Post #301 Auxiliary. She was also President for the Upper 11th District Auxiliary Department of Michigan.
Florence was a former President of the Rapid River P.T.A. and she was a board member of the Masonville Township Board. Florence served as Secretary for 8 & 40 Society and was a member of Bay Sages. She was instrumental in turning the old Rapid River School into the Omni Center Apartments.
Her hobbies included reading, studying history and oil painting. She was an avid dog lover and she adopted many dogs over the years. She will be remembered by many as the “hat lady” for her collection of hats which she loved to wear.
Survivors include her daughter Kris (Donald) Montgomery of Escanaba and sister Rose Ratkovich of Escanaba. Two granddaughters Holly (Sean) Webb of Los Angeles, CA and Heather (Greg) Alworden of Gladstone and three great grandsons Cole, Caden and Casey Alworden. Aunt Josephine Larson of Bishop Boa Home and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins
In addition to her parents, Florence was preceded in death by her husband, Everett on September 4, 2004, two brothers, Joseph and Alvin and her two sisters, Margaret and Lillian.
Rapid River American Legion Post #301 Auxiliary services will be held on Wednesday June 8, 2011 at 4:45 PM at the St. Charles Catholic Church in Rapid River. Florence