Arvilla ‘Ar’ M. Johnson
ESCANABA — Arvilla “Ar” M. Johnson, age 97, of Escanaba, passed away Sunday, January 3, 2021 at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba. She was born on July 7, 1923 in Escanaba, the daughter of Edward and Edna (Hazen) Ryan. Ar was raised in Escanaba and was a 1942 graduate of St. Joseph High School. Following graduation, she relocated to Detroit and enrolled to take college courses. Throughout Ar’s working career, she worked in various offices in the Detroit area in the mortgage company field until her retirement in 1981. After retirement, Ar relocated to Escanaba. The former Arvilla M. Ryan married Kermit V. Johnson in July of 1992 and he preceded her in death on March 12, 2019. Together, the couple shared 27 years of marriage. She was a member of St. Joseph & St. Patrick Catholic Church in Escanaba and also attended Immanuel Lutheran Church in Escanaba with her husband, Kermit. Ar volunteered for many years at the front desk at OSF St. Francis Hospital. She and Kermit did everything together — they were inseparable. The couple enjoyed traveling to various places and dancing. Ar was an incredible baker and enjoyed baking delicious desserts.
Arvilla M. Johnson is survived by stepson, Ralph (Jean) Johnson of Escanaba; stepdaughter, Darlene Rappette of Nashville, Tenn.; step-grandchildren, Michelle (Dennis) Dallaire, Paul Squires, and Amy Rappette; step-granddaughter-in-law, Sheri Johnson; six step-great-grandchildren, Nathan Johnson, McKenna Johnson, Logan Johnson, Caleb Squires, Brayden Squires, and Gaines Squires; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Ar was preceded in death by her first husband, Don Stevens; her second husband, Kermit Johnson; siblings, Herbert Ryan, Margaret Peterson, John Ryan, Edward Ryan, Eleanor Schultz, Frank Ryan, Jean Brandt, and Don Ryan; step-daughter-in-law, Barbara Johnson; step-son-in-law, Dennis Rappette; and step-grandson, Michael Johnson.
Graveside services are being planned for the spring of 2021 at Holy Cross Cemetery in Escanaba. The Anderson Funeral Homes are assisting the Johnson family and online remembrances can be shared at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.