Ellen Johnson

Today, the Heaven's opened and the Lord called our mother home. Ellen Mae Johnson, Age 84, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Saturday October 19, 2024. She was of Catholic Faith. Ellen was born on November 24, 1939, to Woodrow and Eugenia (Martin) Johnson in Rapid River. She graduated in the Class of 1958 from Perkins High School. She was the Senior Class President and at the top of her class.
Later, Ellen met the late Albert Vallier, and they were united in marriage.Ellen and Albert had four children, Cheryl, Timothy, Rebecca, and Kristie. They were married until the passing of Albert in 1971. Later, Ellen met the late Richard Hyland, and they were united in marriage and had two children, Todd and Rachelle.
Later, she was united in marriage to Nicholas Dalgord.
Ellen helped her parents manage and operate Woody's Bar and Restaurant in Rapid River. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Rapid River Snowmobile Club where she raced snowmobiles, "in her pink snowsuit". She was a member of the 4-H shooting club; she was quite the sharpshooter.
Ellen enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She handed down many of her special talents to them. Her hobbies included painting, cooking, canning, knitting, crocheting, and especially gardening and growing flowers. She also enjoyed being outdoors picking blueberries, hunting, fishing, camping which included gathering around a bonfire enjoying family and friends and "good" old time music. She was also known for her fabulous cooking as she won many blue ribbons over the years at the U.P. State Fair on Ladies Day. She attended the Wilton School of Cake Decorating in Chicago. Ellen made many wedding cakes. She catered weddings and other gatherings.
We are thankful for all the talent she has handed down to her children and grandchildren.
Ellen is survived by her brother Martin (Phyllis) Johnson; daughters,Cheryl (Les) Williams; Rebecca Kuehl; Kristie (Paul) Stenlund all ofRapid River, MI and Rachelle Hyland of Wilson, MI; sons,
Timothy Vallier of Trenary, MI and Todd (Cynthia) Hyland of Rapid River, MI; grandchildren, Eric Williams, Jackie (Mike) Bastian, Kendell (Casey) Wendrick, Kimberly (Jason) Pingel, Carrie (Jeremy) Lambertson, Stacey (Dave) Kuehl, Austin (Allison), Dylan and Derek LaBumbard, Jake and Savannah (Jared) Stenlund, Zach and Brooke Hyland, Nicole (Terry) Hyland, Ronald (Hailey Jo) and Braylynn Peterson; great grandchildren, Kara Williams, Kayden Williams-Jezik, Fynn and Zane Bastian, Aurora and Laney Wendrick, Wesson Keshick, Ryland, and Kamryn Peterson.
Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Kenneth Johnson,and a sister Bonnie LaCosse.
Family will receive friends on Sunday, October 27, 2024 from 12 noon to 1 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services honoring Ellen will begin at 1 PM. Ellen will be laid to rest at the Rapid River Cemetery following her funeral and there will be a luncheon afterwards at the Rapid River Lions Club.