![Ruthie Johnson, the "Grand Dame" of North Idaho Republicans, overcame great poverty at a young age to grow up and become friends with prominent Republican leaders and presidents. She died Wednesday. Pictured about 1986, from left: Ruthie's husband Wayne Johnson, President Ronald Reagan, Ruthie and U.S. Sen. Steve Symms.](https://hagadone.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2021/05/13/Ruthie_Johnson_2_t1170.jpg?5cc718665ab672dba93d511ab4c682bb370e5f86)
Ruthie Johnson, the "Grand Dame" of North Idaho Republicans, overcame great poverty at a young age to grow up and become friends with prominent Republican leaders and presidents. She died Wednesday. Pictured about 1986, from left: Ruthie's husband Wayne Johnson, President Ronald Reagan, Ruthie and U.S. Sen. Steve Symms.
May 14, 2021
Stories this photo appears in:
![Ruthie Johnson lived an American Dream](
https://hagadone.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2021/05/13/Ruthie_Johnson_1_t160.jpg?773850a9d7421baff2f792d5b4bd28ce20373d52
)
May 14, 2021 1:09 a.m.
Ruthie Johnson lived an American Dream
'Grand Dame' of North Idaho Republicans dies at 96
'Grand Dame' of North Idaho Republicans Ruthie Johnson dies at 96