Ruth Darlene Johnson, a cherished pillar of the Albia, Iowa community, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2024. Born on January 26, 1932, to loving parents, Elmer and ElizaBelle (Sutton) Hill.
Ruth grew into a woman of great strength, compassion, and dedication, qualities that would guide her through an extraordinary life of service and love. Her legacy was shaped through her role as a devoted teacher, an avid traveler, a passionate gardener, and above all, a loving family matriarch.
A graduate of Albia High School, class of 1950, Ruth furthered her education at Tarkio College in Tarkio, Missouri, where she received her bachelor degree in Education. Her love for learning and her dedication to shaping young minds led her to an inspiring career in education. Ruth started her teaching journey in Ottumwa, teaching elementary school children. She later found her niche teaching 8th grade civics at Albia Junior High School, a position she held until her retirement. Ruth’s passion for her profession was evident in her deep love for her students and her strong bonds with her fellow teaching colleagues.
In her retirement, Ruth discovered new horizons through her love for travel. Together with her late husband, Robert D. Johnson, to whom she was married on August 16, 1959, Ruth ventured across the globe. Their travels took them to beautiful destinations such as Sweden, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Spain, and Portugal. Their love for adventure also led them to California, where they visited family numerous times. Back home in Albia, Ruth was an avid gardener and a proud member of the local gardening club. She also enjoyed the camaraderie of the women’s club that met monthly at Kendall Place. Above all, Ruth treasured her family, cherishing every moment with her beloved grandchildren. Ruth and Robert were long-standing members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Albia, instilling a strong faith in their children.
Ruth is survived by her children, Laura Jean Johnson (Mike Carlson) of Macksburg, IA and Bradley Howard (Lisa Davis) Johnson of Naperville, Illinois, three grandchildren, Spenser Christian Johnson, Jordan Evangeline Johnson and Hailey Amelia Johnson (Evan Baldwin); one great-grandchild, Owen Robert Hampel. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer & ElizaBelle Hill; husband, Robert Johnson; one sibling, Elmer Gene Hill.
Visitation for Ruth will be held on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Paul Lutheran in Albia. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m., at St Paul Lutheran Church in Albia. Memorials have been established to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Albia. The service will also be live-streamed for those who cannot attend in person at https://my.gather.app/remember/ruth-johnson-2024.
As we remember Ruth, we invite you to share your memories and upload photos to her memorial page. Each story and picture will serve as a comforting reminder of Ruth’s loving life and her enduring legacy.
