Shirley Ann Johns

Heaven became a touch spicier on April 1st, 2026 with the arrival of Shirley Ann Johns, a beloved woman known for her fiery spirit and zest for life. She was born on September 8th, 1934 to Tom and Mayme (Kangas) Clark, happily residing her whole life in Ontonagon County. On December 3rd, 1994, she married Howard “Skippy” Johns, who passed away in 2011.  

Shirley saw her children and her dogs as her purpose in life. Her last fur baby, Pudge, was an attempted foster that quickly became the heartbeat at her feet for his last 8 years. Shirley held several professional positions including co-owner and operator of the Sunshine Motel, later applying her nature of hospitality as the longtime campground host at Courtney Lake.  She was proud to be a top bowler in the White Pine Women’s League and enjoyed showing off her competitive side in the Dart Ball League. She also loved traveling, dancing, listening to classic country music, playing dice and card games, and hunting the shores of Lake Superior for agates and driftwood. Her family speaks lovingly of her quick wit and admirable strength, as well as her delicious “boiled dinner”.  

Shirley is preceded in death by her son Donald Clark Pattison, parents Tom and Mayme Clark, husband Howard “Skippy” Johns, brothers George and Tom, and sisters Rose, Margaret, Emily and Carol. She is survived by her daughter Patricia Pattison (Hutch), son Michael (Angel) Pattison, granddaughters Celeste and Michelle, and great-grandchildren Nick, Kaylynn, Riley and Avery, as well as many nieces and nephews including Diane who was kind enough to help with Shirley’s care in her last years.  

The family takes comfort in the care provided with patience in her last weeks by staff at Baraga County Memorial Hospital and Our Lady of Mercy Life Center. Even in those last weeks, Shirley’s spunk and strength still shined brightly.  

Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 30th from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM EST at the Nonesuch Post 462 American Legion in White Pine, with services to follow at 3:30 PM at Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers or cards, the family asks that donations be made in Shirley’s name to OCAP (www.ocappaws.org). 

Cane Funeral Home has been trusted with assisting the family with arrangements.