Judith Jean Johnson

Judith J. Johnson of Portage, MI passed away on Monday, July 18, 2022, at the age of 82. She was born in Kalamazoo, MI on April 30, 1940, the daughter of Jack Foster and Alberta Fochtman.

On December 29, 1990, Judy was united in marriage to Roger Johnson. The two were inseparable and loved to travel. The two were very social and together they enjoyed heading up north for gatherings where Judy would prepare wonderful breakfasts and they would be entertained by evening activities around the bonfire. They also hosted grand parties in their garage for all of their friends and family. More than anything their relationship was characterized by love and compassion for one another.

Judy always had an adventurous spirit, when she was younger, she enjoyed fishing, stock car races and riding four wheelers. In her quiet time, she relished in partaking in crafting projects such as sewing cloth blindfolds and eyeglass cases and crocheting dishcloths for everyone.

More than anything though Judith loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and her favorite pastime was spending time with them and spoiling them

Judy lived most of her life in Vicksburg with a few years in Gobles until seven years ago she decided it was time for an adventure. She sold her house in Vicksburg and moved to Hemet, CA to be close to her son, sister and nieces who took good care of her. There she made some wonderful friends whom she loved dearly, played bingo and shared in potluck dinners. Every summer she would return to Michigan to visit with her friends and family while staying with her brother: Bernie.

She will be fondly remembered as a chef that loved to cook potluck dinners for gatherings and meetings for her church and club house. Judy would lovingly prepare biscuits and gravy, sweet potatoes salads, and beef and homemade noodles. She was also well known for her baked goods, mainly her fudge cake and her handmade decorations like molded sugar figures and frosting roses.

In March of 2022 she moved back to Vicksburg so that when it was time, she could be laid to rest with her husband, Roger Johnson.

She is preceded in her passing by her husband: Roger Johnson, parents, stepfather: Wendel Allgaier, and her niece: Laurie Ivens.

Left to cherish her loving memory are her children: Anita (Scott) Barnes and Thomas Ryan; grandson: Cody Yummit; great grandchildren: McKennzie and Lucas Yummit; siblings: Bill Foster, Bernie Foster, Kevin (Malia) Allgaier, and Jackie Griner; nieces: Sonda Vickery, Tamara Foster-Leathers, Lucinda McCracken, and Sherry (Chuck) Duran; nephews: Randy (Linda) Foster, Terry (Naomi) Griner, David (Julie) Foster, Nick (Farren) Allgaier, Austin Allgaier, and Nick (Elsie) Stephens; god-children: Michelle (Scott) Nichols, Mark Marthinsen, and Miles Marthinsen; step-children: Kathleen (Mike) Allen and Scott (Julie) Johnson; and step-grandchildren: Kayla and Keith Vroman;

In accordance with Judith’s wishes mass will be held at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 5855 W Avenue East, Vicksburg, MI 49097 on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, with a time for visiting beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. She will be laid to rest with her husband at Vicksburg Cemetery following the service.

Memorials made in Judith’s memory may be directed to St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 5855 W Avenue East, Vicksburg, MI 49097. Envelopes are available at the church and the funeral home.

The family of Judith would like to extend a special thanks to Anita, Kevin, Malia, Randy and Linda for the exceptional care that was given to her throughout her illness, 

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Judith’s guestbook and/or share a memory with her family.

The Johnson family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097. 269-649-1697