Andy CloseRuth E. Johnson, 97, of Russell, Pa. died Sunday, November 22, 2020 at Rouse Home, Youngsville, PA., after a brief illness.
She was born April 17, 1923 in Pittsfield, Mass. to the late Edward and Annie Hall Brown.
She has resided in Russell since 1988 and was a former resident of Clifton, N.J., and Marion, Princetown and Clymer, N.Y. She attended North Warren Presbyterian Church and the Warren Senior Center.
She is survived by her husband, Rev. Russell G. Johnson whom she married August 26, 1950 in Pittsfield, Mass.
2 Children – Karen Marsh (David) of Chili, N.Y., Bruce Johnson (Katharine) of Willow Grove, Pa., Son-in-law, Harold MacMillan of Highland Lakes, N.J., Son-in-law Jesus Sarte’ (Joy) of Freehold, N.J. ,12 Grandchildren and 9 Great Grandchildren, several nieces and nephews also survive.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by 2 Daughters – Kristine Sarte and Linnea MacMillan, 4 Sisters – Infant Harriet Brown, Gracia Brown, Edna Lind, Lois Ives, 1 Brother – Rev. Ralph Brown.
Ruth is remembered for her kindness to and interest in people. She always could recall names and details about peoples’ lives. Wherever she was, people did not remain strangers for long. Ruth had an intense interest in all of her relatives and their “doings” and was especially good at remembering all their birthdates. Her keen intellect remained to the end.
She was always up to a good game of Scrabble or the challenge of logic puzzles, crossword
puzzles and Sudoku. Her spelling skills were celebrated in 1999 when she won the Pennsylvania Older Adult Spelling Championship. Ruth was also interested in handcrafts, especially sewing and knitting, and she excelled in each of them.
As her husband Russell says, she was a wonderful partner in the ministries he led as pastor of four different churches throughout the years. Her love of people was a great asset to the ministry. Ruth willingly served her Lord Jesus and was quick to serve others in His name.
As her husband Russell says, she was a wonderful partner in the ministries he led as pastor of four different churches throughout the years. Her love of people was a great asset to the ministry. Ruth willingly served her Lord Jesus and was quick to serve others in His name.
Music was important in her life. She studied voice as a young woman, and she sang many solos and in many choirs throughout the years of their ministry. She often sat at the piano and played beloved hymns and songs by ear. Members of the family remember the Saturdays when the Metropolitan Opera Broadcast could be heard in the home.
Ruth was a loving mother to her four children. She nurtured them in their varied talents and, along with her husband Russell, brought them up to love and serve God. Her family is exceedingly grateful for her faithful lifetime of service and love.
A private service will be held at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. A public memorial service will be announced at a later time. Interment will be in Thompson Hill Cemetery, Russell, PA. Those wishing to submit e-mail condolences may do so by visiting www.
Those wishing to place memorials may do so through the Westminster Theological Seminary, 2960 W. Church Road, Glenside, PA. 19038.
