In the early morning of Aug. 24, 2010, Ruth Irene Johnson was called home, God the Father lifted her up and off she went with a smile. She passed peacefully in her sleep. Ruth was born Feb. 24, 1926 in Quitman Ark. She was the daughter of Roy and Floy Bates.

She is survived by her three children, Jimmy Johnson of Manhattan Beach, Calif., Elaine Smith of Yakima and Roy Johnson of Marysville; three siblings, Klyda McWhinney of Marysville, Vernell Bivens of Morrilton Ark., and Bob Bates of Olympia; many nieces and nephews; two grandchildren, Becky and Michael; and one great-great grandchild, Tobyn.

She was loved by all who knew her, and had many life-long friends who will miss her too. Ruth was raised up picking cotton and her red hair and freckled face would cause her to sit under the wagon for a while. She came from a humble beginning but overcame obstacles in her way. Her stories of the old days will remain a great blessing.

As a young woman, Ruth’s sister Klyda and Ruth boarded a train to Washington State looking for work which they found at the Boeing Aircraft Plant in Renton. They were commonly referred to as “Rosie the Riveter!” That’s where she met her husband of 40 years, Hershel Johnson.

Being a military family she moved from Washington to Rhode Island to San Diego, and finally landed back in Washington state, where Ruth resided until the end. Her final days were spent at Whispering Firs Adult Family Home, her sister Klyda lives there too. The family would like to thank them for making Mom’s stay pleasurable, done with love and a caring staff.

She was a dedicated member of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church for over 55 years, she made quilts for the people in need and put together kits for homeless women’s shelters, she would make sandwiches for the street people in Seattle — nobody went hungry around her. She provided many meals for shut-ins and loved to cook, she worked as a cook’s helper at Oak Harbor Middle School and the kids loved her warm smile and her kind words.

Ruth was proud of her strip of highway she used to clean up and always thought of others before herself. Ruth loved to go camping, fishing, digging razor clams and gardening (betting her tomato was bigger than brother Bob’s tomato). Ruth also loved music and at the age of 77 took up country line dancing. She had a sense of humor that made others laugh, she loved life but mostly loved her Lord and Savior. Those gone before her waited at heaven’s gate saying, “What took you so long?” And God will say, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

Memorial services for Ruth were held Tuesday, Aug. 31, at the Oak Harbor Lutheran Church. The family suggests donations be made in Ruth’s name, to the Alzheimer’s Association in your area. We also would like to thank Burley Funeral Chapel for their help making arrangements. Family and friends may go online at www.burleyfuneralchapel.com to sign a guest register and leave memories for the family.