Esther Johnson
Esther Joan (Conine) Johnson, 88, of Ludington, formerly of Walhalla, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Esther was born on August 28, 1937, in Howell, the daughter of the late Milton and Margaret (Hazelman) Conine. She was a 1955 graduate of Howell High School. On February 22, 1958, she married Herbert Allen Johnson. Together with her husband, they owned Knotty Pine Restaurant and Village Inn. She also owned Esther’s Crafts. In 2002, she was able to retire.
Esther was known for her good sense of humor and her caring, compassionate nature. She loved children and animals deeply, embodying a spirit of kindness and dedication in all her endeavors. In her leisure time, she enjoyed cooking, crafting, and gardening. She cherished moments spent with her family, creating memories that they will hold dear forever.
Esther is survived by her daughters, Marcella Lawler, Tamela Grill, and Veronica (Matthew Stephens) Johnson; granddaughter, Melissa Palma; great grandchildren, Markel Palma, Makayla (Ken) Castro Mendez, and Malanah (Donovan Lee Juers) Palma; and siblings, William D. Conine, Ann Marie Wykoff, Carol Louise Klender, Robert James Conine, Margaret Milon Fredenburg, Richard Albert Conine, Patty Jean Payne, and Mary Alice Conlin.
Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Allen Johnson; parents, Milton and Margaret Conine; brothers, Milton Sterling Conine, Donald Sheldon Conine, Duane Benard Conine, Merland Junior Conine; sister, Betty Joyce Allmand; in-laws, Bessie and Albert Johnson; sons-in-law, Thomas Eugene Lawler, Richard Lee Kage, and Charles Grill; and brother-in-law, Ronald Johnon.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Grace Funeral Home, visitation begins at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Funeral Home and Cremation Services, www.GraceCremations.com.
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