Obituary of Barbara J. Johnson (Gruette)

BARBARA JANE (GRUETTE) JOHNSON OBITUARY Barbara Jane (Gruette) Johnson was born on August 4, 1932 in Bay City, Michigan to Eugene Samuel Gruette and Aletha Lee Gruette. Barbara passed away at the Willows of Okemos on May 8, 2020. Barbara married Frederick J. Johnson and they began their life together in Cadillac, Michigan. They later moved to Lansing, Michigan and had four children together. While Barbara and Frederick divorced after 29 years of marriage, they remained life-long friends with Frederick always making sure Barbara was taken care of. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene Samuel Gruette and Aletha Lee Gruette; former husband, Frederick J. Johnson; son-in-law, James Harris; and her only sibling, Luanne (Floyd) Nicol. Barbara leaves behind her children: Linda (Robert) Ward, Kerry Harris, Frederick Johnson, and Sandra (Peter) Bepler; her grandchildren: Robert (September) Ward, Barbie Clemmons, Becky (Donald) Williams, James (Lisa) Harris, Jr., Scott (Bob) Harris, Michael Johnson, Amber Johnson, Sarah (Justin) Boutwell, and Samuel (Chelsea) Bepler; great grandchildren: Ashley (Jeff) Hardy, Taylor Ward, Summer Ward, John Clemmons, Michael Clemmons, Nikki (Shawn) Adkins, Amber (Logan) Covington, Chris Williams, Kaylynn Williams, James Harris, III, Jacob Harris, Cameron Boutwell, Owen Boutwell, and Everett Bepler; great-great grandchildren: Jaxson Clemmons, Michael Adkins, Vada Adkins, Noah Williams and Rylee Williams; and one nephew, James Nicol. Barbara was a homemaker for many years and then worked at Tony's Lounge in Lansing. Once Barbara suffered a stroke, she was unable to do many of the previous activities that she loved to do, such as bowling and working. She enjoyed time with her family, working on puzzles, playing games, planting flowers, and an occasional trip to the casino. Her favorite past-time by far was the many hours she spent parenting her animals. "Baby Girl," a beautiful white cat, was her most recent pride and joy. A side-effect from her stroke was her infectious laughter. If you heard it, it was difficult not to laugh right along with her. While she suffered many years from the stroke symptoms, she tried to make the best of her life, and truly loved and treasured visits from her family. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Ruth A. Allen who lived next door to Barbara at Grange Acres for many years and was a kind friend who helped Barbara whenever she could. The family would also like to give a heart-felt thank you to the staff/family at the Willows of Okemos who provided excellent care, but most of all, they loved her when she needed it the most. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.