Dorita M. Johnson

Dorita Johnson, age 96, passed away on January 20 in Grand Rapids.
Dorita was born on the family homestead in Belvidere Township. She was the daughter of Wilfred "Pete" Sagendorf and Nina (Reynolds) Sagendorf. She attended the Brown School just down the road from her home. She graduated from Edmore High School. She earned a teaching certificate from County Normal, and taught at the Danish Settlement School in Gowen, Westville School in Day Township and McBride Elementary. She met her future husband, Russell Jack Johnson, at the Homecoming Dance in Lakeview. She was a dedicated wife, mother and homemaker.
She was mother to three children, Michael, Patricia and Scott. Her grandchildren, Peter Johnson, Tim Johnson, Julie Maxey Bell and Alicia Maxey Garrelts were often entertained at Oleo Acres, the farm west of Lakeview. Her great-granddaughters Sarah and Aria promise another generation of talented women.
She was a member of the New Life United Methodist Church. She enjoyed many years of singing in the choir. She helped to organize a widow's support group, the Widows Might, to provide support for women facing the future without a spouse. She spent her final years as a resident of the Clark Retirement Community in Grand Rapids.
She is survived by her son Michael (Lisa) Johnson, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family will gather at a future date to celebrate her life. We encourage you to do a kindness for someone as a way to remember her. Caring for her family and friends defined her purpose in life.
Condolences can be made by utilizing the guestbook at www.brighamfuneralchapel.com