Ruth Johnson

July 6, 1917 - February 11, 2016

Mary “Ruth” Johnson Mary Ruth Johnson, of Willow Springs, passed away Thursday evening, February 11, 2016, while at Willow Care Nursing Home, due to natural causes. Born July 6, 1917 in Willow Springs, MO to Ora and Nettie (Baldwin) Ray, she was 98 years old. Ruth was married to Claude Raymond Johnson in Willow Springs on April 17, 1935. The two had four children together. Ruth gave of her time for many years in her community and her church. She was a Red Cross volunteer for over 50 years, recognized on many occasions by the organization as a dedicated worker. She was also a volunteer at Willow Care Nursing Home who was committed to the staff and residents there, helping wherever needed and being a friend to them. She also worked for decades at the polling place in Willow Springs during local elections, and was also a longtime active member of the First Christian Church of Willow Springs, known as “Grannie Ruth” to all. She moved to Willow West Apartments in 2007, shortly after the death of her husband. In 2012, she moved to Willow Care. She loved her family and especially her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brother, Raymond, and sister, Maxine. Ruth is survived by her children: Claudene Freeman and her husband Gerald of Willow Springs; Glenna Kentch and her husband Leon also of Willow Springs; Richard L. Johnson and his wife Marilyn of Williston, SC; and Linda Baker and her husband Charles of McLouth, KS. She is further survived by her grandchildren: Tony Warden and his wife Janet of Bonner Springs, KS; Cheryl Fiedler and her husband Michael of Farmington, CT; Dr. Keith Kentch of Topeka, KS; Pam Nave and her husband Tim of Orlando, FL; Kim Mitchell and her husband Dave of Aiken, GA; Matthew Freeman of Springfield, MO; Richard Johnson, Jr. of Williston, SC; and 12 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren. A visitation for Ruth will be held Tuesday, February 16, 2016 from 1:00 P.M.- 2:00 P.M. at the First Christian Church, located at 310 N Center Street in Willow Springs with the funeral service immediately following the visitation at 2:00 P.M. Interment will be held at the Willow Springs City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Ruth requested that memorials may be made in her name to the First Christian Church of Willow Springs. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home. On-line condolences for the family may be made at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com