Virginia “Ginny” Yvonne Johnson, 94, passed away April 10th in Traverse City. Virginia was the daughter of Ira and Lela Mack of Harlan, Michigan. She graduated from Mesick high school in 1949 and attended Northeastern School of Commerce, Bay City, Michigan in 1950.

Virginia married her high school sweetheart, Arden Johnson, October 27th 1951. The two lived and worked in Saginaw, Michigan until 1957, when they moved to Traverse City. Arden attended apprentice school of carpentry there and took a job with Zimmerman Construction before becoming a self-employed contractor, and Ginny served in various ecumenical programs, including a three-year stint on the State Board of Church Women United, where she chaired a Native American advocacy committee. She also served in ministry as an ordained elder in the Community of Christ Church near Interlochen.

In their later years Ginny and Arden moved to Florida, where Arden worked in construction and Ginny was the Administrative Assistant to the VP at the local Easter Seals. They became involved in Habitat for Humanity and many other charities. Upon retiring, they started a new adventure and purchased a motorhome, traveled many states, visiting family and making new memories. Eventually, they moved back to the Grand Traverse area.

In 2018, at the age of 86, Ginny realized a lifelong dream by writing and publishing a memoir of her life on the 60-acre farm she grew up on in Wexford County, near the village of Harlan. The book, Ira's Farm, received glowing reviews and was a brisk seller, providing her an opportunity to give many presentations in the area, which she enjoyed immensely.

The family extends its appreciation to the staff and residents of the Village at Bay Ridge where Ginny resided after the death of her husband in 2010, with whom she had been married for 59 years.

Virginia is survived by her four daughters Christyn (Jim) Sheffer, Gail (Jerry) Dennis, Karen (Tim) Roth and Michelle (Kim) Miller; 11 grandchildren Jamey (Angie), Sam (Kristi), Brent (Rosie) Sheffer, Nicole Thompson, Justin Schwab, David and Madison Fedewa, Aaron and Nick Dennis, Tyler (Joey Clayton) Roth, Megan (Kevin) McCarthy, Mallory (Charles) DeVries, Mindy (Jared) Olson, McKenzie (Zach) Louwagie, Madison (Michael) Busma, Paul (Amber) and Kyle Miller; nineteen great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, an infant sister Ila, brothers Kenneth “Dean” Mack and Eugene Mack, and sister Marjorie Spaulding.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Memorial donations may be directed to Munson Healthcare Hospice.