Ruth Marie Johnson, 90

Ruth Marie Johnson, born in Donnelly, Idaho on September 13, 1932 to Henry and Lillian Erickson, was called home on September 27, 2022. Ruth’s sunny smile, twinkling eyes and enormous gift of hospitality will be missed by all who knew her. She leaves behind her beloved husband of nearly 72 years, Kenneth Johnson; sister Joan Smith; Son David (Linda) Johnson; Daughter Kristine (Jeff) Bell; Grandsons Jason Johnson and Jeremy (Leanne) Johnson; Granddaughters Jessica Bell and Alexandria Bell; Great Grandchildren Garrett (Alexis) Johnson, Matthew (Kara) Johnson, Janaya Johnson, Sydney Johnson, and Isaac Galavis; and Great-Great Grandson Levi Johnson; along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and an abundance of cherished friends.

At the young age of 15 Ruth declined an invitation to the movies in Cascade, Idaho, from a handsome young fella named Ken. She did say ‘yes’ to attend a dance the following weekend at the Finnish Hall. Then a second date to Cougar Mountain Lodge for a root beer. After her graduation from McCall-Donnelly High School two years later, Ruth worked at the Council Hospital with the goal of becoming a nurse. A letter of proposal from Ken, who was at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station that summer, changed her fate. On December 17, 1950, Ruth and Ken were married at the Methodist Church in New Meadows, Idaho. They traveled immediately across the country by train to Newport, Rhode Island where Ken was assigned to ship out soon after.

In Ruth, Ken and the rest of their friends and growing family, found an eager travel partner. That initial train journey would be joined by many more trips in Ruth’s lifetime including getting all dressed up to celebrate the Easter Day Parade in New York City, soon after their move to Rhode Island; their 50th Wedding Anniversary trip to New England to retrace their first few homes together and connect with Ruth’s mother’s family in Massachusetts: and a 2006 trip to Finland to visit the birthplace of her father and meet her relatives there. On one notable cruise to the Mexican Riviera, Ruth and Ken, with their kids and granddaughters, celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary, Ruth, unknowingly, led the family members on a rousing game of ‘hide-and-seek’ as she seemed to vanish and reappear throughout the ship. “Where’s Ruth?” became a common refrain. The granddaughters loved it.

Aside from their many travels, family and friends, Ruth was committed to actively caring for her community. She served as a Volunteer Pink Lady at Swedish Hospital (Medical Center) while she and Ken lived in Denver, Colorado. A long-time church Deacon, Ruth served her community with warm fellowship, visitation, and her home-cooked version of ‘meals on wheels.’

Those who knew her best know the answer to “Where’s Ruth?” most often was “In the kitchen.” To know Ruth was to be hugged, fed, and hugged again by her. One specialty was a Sauerbraten meal, complete with potato pancakes and gingersnap gravy, that could make you wish for two stomachs. During her year and a half in New Orleans Ruth became the unofficial Queen of Gumbo to all her friends. Ruth never let a guest leave her home hungry, and a final tight hug and large bag of leftovers was her standard farewell. We all learned to just say yes…it was so much easier.

Services for Ruth will be held at one o’clock in the afternoon on November 5th at Post Falls Community Presbyterian Church, located at 417 N. William Street. In lieu of flowers due to allergies, a donation to Hospice or your favorite charity may be made in Ruth’s name.

Arrangements for Ruth have been entrusted to the English Funeral Chapel. Visit Ruth's online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com