Obituary of Ralph Douglas Johnson

Ralph Douglas Johnson was born on December 9, 1942 in Monroe, Michigan to Emery and Edna (Cole) Johnson. He graduated from Monroe High School with the Class of 1961. Ralph proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War from 1961 to 1965.

On December 22, 1961, Ralph wed the former Kaye Burgess. The couple were blessed with three sons. Ralph provides for his family through his employment at Ford Motor Company, where he worked as a crib attendant from 1965 until retiring in 2007. He served his community as a volunteer with the LaSalle Township Fire Department. Ralph was a former parishioner of LaSalle Presbyterian Church and had most recently worshipped at North Monroe Street Church of God.  His beloved Kaye passed away on April 4, 2004 after forty-two years of marriage. Ralph was joined in matrimony to Theresa Haywood on September 29, 2005.

An avid golfer, Ralph hit the links at any course he could. He was also a skilled bowler and participated in the leagues at Monroe Sports Center. Ralph took many hunting and fishing trips across the mid U.S. and Canada. He was a talented cook and grill master. His family always looked forward to his specialty chicken and dumplings. Ralph had particular ways about doing things and always kept his office organized. He had a mind for math and loved anything to do with numbers. Simply put, Ralph was a laid back, nice man who always treated others well.

Ralph Douglas Johnson, age 81, of Monroe, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. His passing was preceded by his parents; his first wife: Kaye; and his granddaughter: Alissa Johnson.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his loving wife of eighteen years: Theresa Johnson; three sons: Ralph Johnson Jr. (Sandy Sicilia) of Jackson, Michigan, Tim (Christie) Johnson of Lambertville, Michigan, and Ken (Renee) Johnson of Monroe; his step-daughter: Brandi Ziepekis; five grandchildren: Christopher (Rena) Johnson, Brian Johnson, Tim Johnson, Stephen Johnson, and Derek Johnson; six step-grandchildren: Kayla Revels, Jordan Sabolish, Leanne Sabolish, Brittany Barlond, Avery Ziepekis, and Jacob Ziepekis; and eight great grandchildren: Chelsea, Wendy, Jaxon, Victoria, Spencer, Gabrielle, Camden, and Colten.

Friends may gather on Monday, June 24, 2024 from 11:00am until 1:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070.  A Celebration of Ralph’s Life officiated by Pastor Rick Massingill will begin at 1:00pm also at Merkle’s with military honors provided under the auspices of Monroe VFW Post 1138.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.