Della M. (Pettis) Johnson

Della M. Johnson, 92 of Petoskey, died November 24, 2018 at the McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital.

Della was born on August 11, 1926 in Frederic, MI, the daughter of Rubin and Hazel (Barnard) Pettis and attended Petoskey High School before moving to the Upper Peninsula for a time.  In 1940 she returned to Petoskey.

On February 14, 1942, Della married the love of her life, James William Johnson in Boyne City and together they made their home in the Petoskey Area.  Della went to work for Schafer Bakeries and was affectionately known as the “Bread Lady” to her fellow employees and loyal patrons.  She retired from the Bakery after 35 years of service in 1987.  She regularly attended the Bay Shore Presbyterian Church, now, Jesus is Lord Community Church and lived in the same home in Bay Shore for close to 70 years.

Della was a very generous woman with her time and abilities, especially her cooking abilities.  She was always making meals for those in need and likewise, was a common volunteer at the Manna Food Project, providing food for those in need.   Della’s greatest joy was her family and she cherished the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

She is survived by 2 children, Richard (Lynnet) Johnson and Sheryl Bergmann; 4 grandchildren, Wendy (Steve) Stutzman, Jeffrey (Joanna) Johnson, Richard (Beth) Wurst, and Randy (Debbie) Wurst; 7 great grandchildren, Ariana Johnson, Malena Johnson, Sidney Wurst, Shelby Wurst, Jade Wurst, Haley Wurst, and Austin Wurst; brother, Bert Pettis; and by many nieces and nephews.

Della was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James; son-in-law, Charles M. Bergmann; siblings, Zelpha Pettis, Ethel Ritter, Robert Pettis, Clifford Pettis, Arthur Pettis, and baby brothers, John and Reuben Pettis.

Services celebrating Della’s life will be held on Friday, November 30th at 11am at the Stone Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends from 10am until the time of service.

Those wishing to honor Della’s memory are asked to make a donation to the Manna Food Project or to a charity of you’re choosing.

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