E. Caroline Johnson

E. Caroline Johnson, age 86, passed away Sunday May 23rd at Tendercare of Hastings, following a short illness. Carol was born in Fruitport, Michigan on October 25, 1923 the tenth child of George and Carrie (Coleman) Hansen's twelve children. She was raised in the Nashville area graduating from Hastings High School in 1942.\r
Carol married Donald W. Johnson May 2, 1946, residing in the Hastings and Middleville area throughout their marriage. Carol and Don owned and operated the ""Willows"" grocery located on Algonquin Lake for over fourteen years. Prior to owning the ""Willows"" Carol was a dental assistant for Dr. Truesdale, after selling the store she was employed by Pro-Line Archery for approximately fifteen of years.\r
Carol raised five children, three sons: Bill (Michelle) of Middleville; Mark (Cathy) of Hastings; Don Jr. (Lisa) of Middleville and two daughters: Janet Reil of Hastings and Judy Pennington, (Steve) of Hastings.\r
Carol was preceded in death by her daughter, Judy Pennington; granddaughter Jessica Merrill; her parents, George and Carrie Hansen; brothers Jerome; Stanley; Fred; Andrew (Dean); sisters Blanche Hummell; Elizabeth (Betty) Trappen and Florence Word.\r
Carol is survived by her husband of 64 years; three sons; one daughter; 14 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; a sister Connie Chambers, of Tallahassee Florida along with sisters-in-law Molly (Harold); Joan(Dean); Marge(Fred); Evelyn Vukin(Nick); brother and sister in laws Tom and Sally Robinson; along with many nephews and nieces.\r
Carol will be missed for her cheerful personality, smile, generosity and love of family she exhibited throughout her life. A truly gifted and giving lady, Carol's talents for gardening, cooking and baked goods were treasured by all who knew her.\r
Visitation will be from 6:00 - 8:00pm on Tuesday May 25th at the Girrbach Funeral Home and funeral services will be held Wednesday May 26th , 2010 at 11:00 AM at Girrbach Funeral Home 328 South Broadway, in Hastings. Friends and family will meet at the Hastings Elks for a luncheon following internment at the Irving Twp Cemetery. Memorials can be made to charity of one's choice. Arrangements are by the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. You may leave a message or memory to the family at (girrbachfuneralhome.net).