Ellen Kay Johnson

Ellen was born on January 18, 1955, in Escanaba, the beloved daughter of Kenneth and Ruth (Scott) Gustafson. She graduated from Gladstone High School in 1973 and went on to earn an Associate Degree in Accounting from Bay de Noc Community College in 2003. Ellen began her professional career at First National Bank and continued working in the banking profession for several years. She later dedicated 19 years of service to Bark River Culvert and Roland Machinery, retiring in 2017.

A woman of enduring faith and generous spirit, Ellen was involved at Central United Methodist Church, where she served in numerous leadership and service roles throughout her life. She was a devoted Green Bay Packers and Detroit Tigers fan. On warm summer days, she would often be found listening to the Tigers on the radio while tending her garden or enjoying the company of faithful springer spaniel dogs. As her family grew, she would often be found in the places her children called home; at Empire Beach climbing the dunes, at Northwestern University watching the Wildcats, or up in Marquette hiking Presque Isle or Sugarloaf Mountain.

Ellen is survived by her loving husband, Dennis Johnson, with whom she shared 50 years of marriage; her children, Craig (Meera) Johnson of Evanston, IL, Eric (Rebecca) Johnson of Marquette, MI, and Krista (Brad) Hammersmith of Hudsonville, MI; and her six beloved grandchildren, Jackson and Kayson Hammersmith, Leena and Ahnika Johnson, and Owen and Rorie Johnson. Ellen’s love and dedication to her family was the central work of her life. She left a profound impact on each of her children and grandchildren with her immeasurable love and unwavering support.

She is also survived by her brothers, Kenneth (Susan) Gustafson of Huntsville, AL, Robert Gustafson of Green Bay, WI, and Terry (Eileen) Gustafson of Perkins, MI, along with several nieces, nephews, dear friends, and extended family members.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents and her twin sister, Mary Fay Holmes.

The Johnson family would like to thank the Hayes Family and staff at Transitions, Daryl and Leah Miron at Lake View Memory Care, and especially Robbie Depuydt at Cedar Hill Assisted Living and the UP Health and Hospice Care Team. Donations may be directed to Delta County Cancer Alliance.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 3:00 p.m., at Anderson Funeral Home of Escanaba, with Pastor Lewis Hauge officiating. A luncheon will be served in the Ludington Room at Anderson Funeral Home immediately following the service. The Anderson Funeral Homes of Escanaba and Gladstone are assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.