Bonnie Lee Johnson

The world is full of mothers, but there are few who fully embrace what being a mother truly looks like according to the One who gave women the gift of motherhood. Bonnie Johnson was one such woman as her children know without a doubt that they had the very best. She was attentive, sacrificial, and generous, giving everything she had from the depths of her heart. One of the greatest gifts Bonnie and her beloved husband Terry gave to their children was a living, breathing example of what marriage should be as theirs was a marriage based on trust, respect, and enduring love. A woman with an abiding faith, Bonnie’s life exemplifies what it means to be the hands and feet of God.

The year 1943 was very much defined by WWII as many of our young men were fighting overseas to preserve the freedoms we still enjoy today. Back at home, people dealt with rationing on things such as food, gas, and even clothing. Sugar rationing took place in May of 1943 with the distribution of “sugar buying cards.” It was also during this year that the family of Paul and Marian (Hainer) Hunt were able to shift their focus to a joyous time in their own home with the birth of their daughter, Bonnie Lee. Born in Battle Creek, Michigan, on March 24th of that year, Bonnie was the second of three children in her family. She was raised on the family farm where life in the Hunt family was far from easy. Bonnie enjoyed playing with neighborhood children and roller skating as a young girl. Even from her earliest years, she was caring and very talkative, which naturally led to many friendships for Bonnie.

Life was forever changed for Bonnie when her mother died when Bonnie was just nine years old. During the years that followed, she was shuffled around between homes including with her grandmother for a time and even in a chicken coop that was converted into a house. Bonnie began school in a one-room schoolhouse in Shepardsville, located just to the east of St. Johns. The tough times continued for Bonnie, and often there was not enough food to eat. She was grateful that a store owner in Shepardsville named Clare Alderman who fed children in town who did not have enough to eat – Bonnie was one of those children.

From Shepardsville, Bonnie moved to Battle Creek for a time. When her uncle, Clare Hainer came along, he provided her with a sense of stability and security. She moved back to the St. Johns area where she graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School.

Although life was very difficult for Bonnie as she was growing up, her experiences shaped her into the extraordinary woman who was loved by so many. Since she never had much of anything to her name, Bonnie was always very appreciative of everything she was given. She never forgot the time her brother, Wayne, worked all summer to save up enough money to buy both Bonnie and her sister Daisy bikes. Those bikes meant the world to Bonnie and her sister. Even as a young girl Bonnie would do anything for anyone and always gave from her heart.

While attending a church revival gathering, Bonnie met the man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Terry Johnson and there was an attraction between them that neither could deny. After dating for a couple of years, Bonnie and Terry were married. He was able to provide a life for her that was more than she had ever dreamed of, making all of the hardships of her childhood a thing of the past. Terry cherished his wife, saying that he loved her so much it hurt. Together they were blessed with three children: Kevin, Terry, and Becky. The Johnson family just enjoyed being together no matter what they were doing. They spent most of their time at church as faith played an important role in their family life. Bonnie often sat around with her family playing with a tape recorder and singing together, and they also enjoyed camping.

Even though much of her time was focused on church activities, Bonnie did have some interests that kept her busy when she was at home. She and Terry both loved cooking and baking. Bonnie always made special fruit cakes for the holidays that were second to none. She liked sewing, gardening, and canning, too. After her children were grown, both Bonnie and Terry loved spending time with their grandchildren.

During the sunset of her life, Bonnie experienced some challenging times. She was deeply saddened with the unexpected death of her beloved Terry after 40 years of marriage. Bonnie suffered with multiple health issues herself for a number of years. Even when she was in intense pain, she always had a big smile on her face and her faith was her constant companion. It was with her family by her side that Bonnie drew her last breath.

In everything she did, Bonnie Johnson put her family first as she considered it her highest calling and greatest blessing to do so. In fact, she put the needs of others before her health, wealth, and time. Bonnie was as tenderhearted as they come which is perhaps what made her so gullible as she would believe anything she was told. She shared a special love with her husband with whom she was so very close, and she was so proud of the family they created together. As Bonnie’s family and friends now say goodbye, they find comfort in knowing that she is now with her Lord and Savior. She will be deeply missed while her memory will remain forever etched on the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Bonnie Lee Johnson died on July 30, 2010. Bonnie’s family includes her children, Kevin (Lori) Johnson of Laingsburg, Terry Johnson of Ovid, and Becky (Craig) Santrucek of Bannister; grandchildren, Emily, Craig Jr., Alicia, Erica, and Hayden Santrucek, Tiffany and Chase Johnson; brother, Paul “Wayne” Hunt; sisters, Daisy Anglin and Marilyn Hunt; and many nieces and nephews. Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Terry A. Johnson. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at the Houghton Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes in Ovid with Pastor Johnny Schlaack officiating. Burial will follow at Middlebury Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo or sign the online guestbook.