Shirley Johnson

Shirley Johnson, 80, of Byron, IL passed away peacefully on November 14, 2020, surrounded by family.

She was born May 1, 1940 to Harry and Juanita “Ted” (McClellan) Speake in Rockford. She graduated from West High School in 1958, worked for a year as a secretary (someplace in Rockford kids cannot remember), and married her high school sweetheart, Keith Johnson on February 27, 1960. The first years of their life together took them to Texas where Keith was stationed in the Air Force and there they had 2 daughters. The couple returned to Rockford in 1963 and had a son.

Shirley’s young adult life was typical of the 1960s. She maintained a home, raised children, and kept a beautiful yard and flower beds. Roses were her favorite and she had a beautiful forsythia bush (which she never successfully pronounced) next to the back stoop. The family spent many summers camping, first in their pop up and later in a motor home. They were seldom home on weekends. Shirley’s happy place was near/on the water. Her childhood summers were spent on the Mississippi River at her aunt and uncle’s cabin. In her empty nest years, she and Keith owned a speed boat which they enjoyed on the Rock River. Later still they spent a part of their winters on the beach in Marco Island, FL.

Shirley was a member of a bowling league for most of her life, the last one being Women Bowling With Wine in 2016. She and Keith were members of the West High School reunion committee. She loved to read, shop, have lunch with friends, watch sunsets from their deck, visit over coffee, attend her grandchildren’s sporting events, go to Monroe, WI for cheese sandwiches, watch barges go through the locks, sing along with country music (Statler Brothers, Loretta Lynn, Charlie Pride), and collect sea shells (remember her happy place?). Shirley drank her RC warm straight out of the bottle. She disliked returning the bottles for their deposit often passing that task to the kids. She did not like winter, vegetables unless it was corn, peas, or green beans, raccoons, flying, or kids smashing her mailbox with a bat. The worst was waiting for repairmen or being snowed in.

She is reunited with Keith, her husband of 47 years, her parents, and her sister Linda Mollway. Those she is waiting for include her children and their spouses, Deb and Roger Fritz of Rockford, Donna and Bob Gronewold of Forreston, Brian and Meganne (McCawley) Johnson of Atlantic Beach, Florida, grandchildren David and Beka (Fritz) Solverson, Brandt and Jessica (Fowler) Fritz, Grant and Danae (Fritz) Lamb, David Gronewold, Tim and Audra (Lewis) Gronewold, Matthew Gronewold, Devan Johnson, Dr. Hailey Johnson, and brother in law, Paul Mollway. Her 7 great grandchildren range in age from 5 days to 11 years, with one more expected in 5 weeks. She was a “second mom” to her sister’s boys, John and Jeff Mollway.

A private family burial service is planned. Final resting place in Willwood Burial Park, Rockford, IL. However, the family wishes to say that all the love we have felt from those around us has been very comforting and much appreciated. May we suggest those wishing to express sympathy consider a donation to Fisher House Foundation, 12300 Twinbrook Pkwy, Suite 410 Rockville, MD 20852 supporting family of wounded military service members. Fisherhouse.org/ways-to-give/

Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108.