Ruth M. Johnson
Ruth M. Johnson, 95, died on June 3, 2021 in Lincoln Nebraska.
She was born April 13, 1926, in Sturgis, SD, the daughter of Anne and Earl Smith.
She graduated from High School in Belle Fourche, South Dakota. While in Belle Fourche she played in the cowboy marching band and drove air mail between Belle Fourche and Rapid City.
Ruth came to Nebraska to attend the University of Nebraska and played in the marching band here during World War II. She met her husband while attending the university and graduated with a degree in bacteriology.
Ruth and Ralph lived in the Hartley neighborhood for over 60 years and raised a family of seven children here. Both Ruth and Ralph were a founding member of the Hartley Neighborhood Association, which became a model for organizing other neighborhoods. Ruth was also active in the Hartley School PTA, was a volunteer at the school library and led or assisted with many girl scout, campfire and 4-H groups.
Ruth and Ralph were active for many years in the Nebraska Democratic Party and served on the Nebraska Democratic central committee, and were awarded the the Patriot’s award. Ruth also served on advisory boards for Lincoln’s mayors. Ruth and Ralph both recognized that people in Nebraska needed high quality and affordable continuing education as well as training to support the trade and service industries. To help achieve that goal, Ruth served on the Southeast Community College Board of Directors from 1989 until she turned 90 in 2016.
Family Information: Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Ralph D. Johnson and her son Christopher Johnson of Hastings. She is survived by children: Penny McCord of Lincoln, Kathryn Kennedy of Albuquerque, NM, Ralph D. Johnson Jr. of Palmyra, Heidi Gasperlin of St. Paul, MN, Kim Johnson of Lincoln, and Jennifer Johnson of Lincoln, NE, and many treasured grandchildren. great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.
Graveside services will be on June 12th at 1:00 p.m. at Wyuka cemetery in the new Soldier’s Circle.
To view a video on Ruth’s life go to this website.
Memorials to assist with additional support for educational opportunities are welcome:
By Mail
Checks payable to Southeast Community College Educational Foundation with a note in memo or attached note that this is for the Ruth Johnson Memorial fund and mail to:
Southeast Community College Educational Foundation
301 S. 68th Street Place
Lincoln, NE 68510
Online
https://www.southeast.edu/sccdonate/
Select “Scholarship Fund”
Enter “Ruth Johnson Memorial” in the field labeled ‘Specify’
To leave a condolence please use the form below.
Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.
Aspen Cremation Service represents the ideal combination of price and quality. We have low overhead and can pass on the savings. Let us earn your trust.
Accreditations
Condolences for Ruth M. Johnson
I am so sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing. I have such fond memories of visiting when we were kids. Much love to everyone.
I played bridge with Ruth for many years and always enjoyed her quiet resolve at the table. She was a role model for her community activism. I have not seen her for several years, but keep up through her daughter Penny who took her place at the bridge table. She was a delightful person and will be missed.
I was sad to read of Ruth’s passing. Although I hadn’t seen her for many years, I often think of her when I drive past the Johnson house on 33rd St. Ruth was a model of kindness and generosity. I met her through the Hartley PTA. Later, she let my daughter Sarah come to her house after school when Sarah was a Hartley Elementary student and was “sick” of her after-school program. (I worked downtown and couldn’t come and go whenever I wanted to.) Ruth put me in touch with a piano teacher nearby and allowed Sarah to practice on the Johnsons’ piano until we could get one. She was truly a gift to a mother who needed help. I pay tribute to her as what a good woman can be.
I remember loading up the station wagon and riding from North Carolina to Nebraska to visit Uncle Ralph and Aunt Ruth and our cousins. Ralph and Ruth had full lives and left the world a better place.
The CCSO (College and Community Service Organization) sends condolences to Ruth’s family. Ruth was always a welcome participant in our events.
No doubt about it, Ruth was sent to earth to make it a better place and she took delight in her mission. In 45+ years of hanging around the Johnson house, I was always welcomed with a smile and a cup of coffee or something good to eat. She loved life, her family, her friends, and every furry creature that crossed her path. She worked tirelessly to make our Hartley neighborhood and our city align with the values of ALL of its people. I’m so grateful to have known her and wish peace to all that loved her back.
To the family of Ruth Johnson, I will always cherish the moments with your mother and father and always enjoyed the times with you all when we had the horses. She will be truly missed. If there is anything you will need please don’t hesitate to let me know.