Shirley Ione Johnson, 90, of Big Rapids, passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at her home.

She was born January 12, 1932, at Pogy in Grant Township, the daughter of Earl and Letha (Morse) Corey, and graduated from Evart High School in 1949.  On July 16 of that same year, she married Robert M. Johnson. Who preceded her in death on June 21, 2006. 

Shirley worked at Evart Products in her early years before the couple moved to their farm in Big Rapids, where there were lots of chores to do. Later she worked at Old Kent Bank as a teller and then was employed at the Mecosta County Treasurers’ office for 25 years, retiring as the County Treasurer in 2004.

Shirley enjoyed roller skating, jigsaw puzzles, gardening, bird watching, and traveling.  She was an avid bowler, competing in national tournaments in many different cities throughout the United States. She was also the secretary for the Big Rapids Bowling Association for several years.

Shirley is survived by her daughters, Rosalyn (Steve) Jorgensen of Big Rapids, Gayle Kloosterman of N. Fort Myers, FL, and Cindy (Jim) Hinkley of Adrian, MI; her son Robert (Carmella) Johnson of Big Rapids; 12 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; one great-great grandson; brothers-in-law, Herb and Ralph Johnson; sisters-in-law, Louise (Bud) Hurdle and Helen (Jack) Aaron; and many nieces and nephews. Shirley was also preceded in death by three sisters and their husbands, Dorothy (Robert) Thompson, Betty (Joe) Walkowski, and Anna Mae (Vernon) Brigham, two brothers and their wives, Maurice (June, Doris, Pauline) Corey and Lee (Emma) Corey, son-in-law Michael Kloosterman; and her in-laws, Ruth (John) Lee, Edna Johnson, and Ronald Johnson.

A Celebration of Shirley’s life will be held in the summer of 2022.  Shirley will be laid to rest next to her husband in the West Union Cemetery in Big Rapids Township. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice, 100 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids.  Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.