Martha "Marti" Sue Johnson

Martha “Marti” Sue Johnson, of Suttons Bay, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at home.

Marti was born on October 16, 1962, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to James Arthur and Margaret Elaine (LaRoe) Johnson. After she was born her family later moved to Traverse City, where she attended Traverse City St. Francis before transferring to Traverse City Senior High School, graduating with the Class of 1980.

She continued her education at Northwestern Michigan College and went on to Central Michigan University, where she earned her degree in Communications. While at CMU, she was a proud member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority.

Marti embraced many roles and callings throughout her life. She worked at The Embers and the Grand Traverse Resort, where she enjoyed waitressing and connecting with people. She also worked at Bowers Harbor Inn, where she loved sharing its many ghost stories and meeting the ghost a time or two. Marti was proudly there when Wendy’s first opened locally and later worked for several radio stations, including KHQ and the Bear. She also sold advertisements in the Traverse City Record Eagle. Over the years, she also built a successful career in sales, including as a pharmaceutical representative, travel agency rep, in HVAC and other industries.

Her most recent and most joyful endeavor was her wine tour business, “Laugh Your Glass Off,” which perfectly captured her personality. She had just purchased a new Chrysler Pacifica and was so proud to begin giving tours and making people smile in a whole new way.

Above all, Marti loved to make people laugh. Known affectionately as the “funny lady” of Traverse City, she had a gift for bringing joy and laughter to those around her. She loved adventures on her Sea-Doo on Lake Michigan, soaking up the sunshine, and downhill skiing, whether locally at Crystal Mountain, Big Sky, or out West. She was a devoted Michigan football fan and loved her Jeeps over the years.

Marti was incredibly involved in the Traverse City community and was truly one of its most recognizable and beloved faces. She served as an ambassador for the Traverse City Chamber, now Traverse Connect, and embraced every opportunity to bring people together. Marti could be found at nearly every social gathering—Cherry Festival events, beer tents, fundraisers, and celebrations of all kinds—wherever there were people, laughter, and connection. She loved being out among her community and cherished the friendships she built along the way. Marti also had a deep love for food, enjoying nights out with friends at great restaurants over great meals, while never losing her appreciation for simple comforts like grilled cheese, spaghetti, and chicken noodle soup.

Marti also enjoyed simple pleasures. Visits to the Dairy Lodge for the famous Cosmo Cone, playing pickleball with friends, and collecting things she loved. She had a passion for fashion, especially Tommy Hilfiger, and was known for always looking put together, from her outfits to her glasses. Her signature pink lipstick was rarely absent. She believed in self-care and took pride in her hair, nails, and personal style.

She had many dear friends and will be deeply missed by all who knew her, especially her sister Mary Anne, Evan, Erin and the girls. Even though they have not been close recently, she truly loved them as much as they loved her. You will be missed deeply Marti. We will talk again. We love you!

Marti is survived by her father, Jim; her sister, Mary Anne (Scott) Weider; her nephew, Evan (Britney) Weider; her niece, Erin (Josh) Tyrer; great nieces and nephews, Juniper Mae, Caroline James, and Sadie Rayne, her favorite uncle David Johnson, her beloved fur baby puppy, Sophie; and countless close friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother; her Grandma and Grandpa Johnson and Grandma LaRoe; her beloved dogs, Mugsy, Katie, Mago and Millie, all of whom she missed dearly.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A funeral service will take place on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 3pm in the Gardens at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 2pm. Please wear bright colors, especially pink to honor Marti to the events.

Memorial contributions in Marti’s honor may be directed to her family to help provide the most meaningful and joyful sendoff she deserves, as well as a future special memorial in her memory. Please visit: https://fundafamily.com/Donation.aspx?M=25839&C=36567.

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