Ruth Johnson

Ruth F. Johnson, age 89, formerly of Staples, passed away at Unity Hospital in Fridley on Monday, March 31. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Saturday, April 5, at the United Methodist Church of Staples with Rev. Wesley Johnson officiating. Visitation will begin at noon at the church. Interment will be in the Evergreen Hill Cemetery of Staples.
Ruth Frances Johnson was born on September 22, 1918, in Staples, the daughter of Norbert and Alys Arnold. She grew up in Staples and graduated from Staples High School, Salutatorian of her class at the age of 16. Following her education she went to work for the Staples Public School as secretary for a career that lasted over 40 years. On August 15, 1941 she was united in marriage to Les Johnson. They were able to share over 62 years of marriage before Les passed away in January of 2004. She was very active in church and served in many capacities there. Among the things she enjoyed doing were handicrafts, especially counted cross-stitch, being with the family at the cabin on Fishtrap Lake annual visits to the North Shore, trips to Iowa to visit relatives, shopping trips, and her cats.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Norbert and Alys; her husband, Les; and infant son, Charles F. Johnson. Ruth will be lovingly missed by her children, Karen (Bruce) Volner of Aurora, and Les (Janet) Johnson of Fridley; 4 grandchildren, Christie (Mark) Constantine, Bryan Volner, Alyssa (Judson) Kipp, and Sara Johnson, 2 great grandchildren, Logan Oldenburg and Micah Kipp; and a brother, Norbert (Agnes) Arnold of Inver Grove Heights.